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A Limited

RECREATION SURVEY

OF
MATTOON, ILLINOIS

Recreation Field Service

Department of Recreation

University of Illinois

July, 1959

Recreation Field Service

Department of Recreation

University of Illinois

Urbana., Illinois

The Recreation Field Service was established by the Department of
Recreation for the purpose of assisting Illinois communities and their or-
ganizations to develop their resources and opportunities for recreation. This
purpose is fulfilled by (1) providing technical and professional assistance
and counsel, (2) preparing and disseminating information on various phases
of recreation and park services, (3) promulgating acceptable standards, and
(4) cooperating with other University, State, and community interests.

Examples of the kinds of services which are provided are:

i'

Preparation of surveys, appraisals and studies •

Organizing and helping establish recreation systems, park
districts, and the like.

Advising on problems related to legislation, legal aspects,

financing, budgeting, and the like.

'*»*■ ,
,."M<5 it..

Assistance on personnel practices including rec rating,

selecting and training professional and volunteer personnel.

Developing agency and departmental coordination and relation-
ships.

Planning public relations (including referenda campaigns)

Advising on problems related to the development and main-
tenance of recreation and park facilities.

Advising on the development of programs and services.

As the need arises, other resources of the University, including
personnel, may be drawn upon to supplement the efforts of the Department
of Recreation.

«^~7

A Limited

RECREATION SURVEY

OF
MATTOON, ILLINOIS

Recreation Field Service

Department of Recreation

University of Illinois

July, 1959

COLLEGE OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION / UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS, URBANA jj_ I

Department of

July 15, 1959

The Honorable Morgan F. Phipps
Mayor, City of Mattoon

Dear Mayor Phipps:

We take pleasure in transmitting herewith our report of the survey of
recreation and parks in Mattoon.

The survey, which was conducted by Donald E. Clark as part of his program
of graduate study, revealed certain deficiencies and needs. The report
describes these findings and recommends a course of action which, if carried
out, should provide Mattoon with adequate recreation and park services and
facilities for some years to come.

We gratefully acknowledge the cooperation extended to the survey team by Dr.
Elmer Goetz (Chairman), Rev. Earl O'Neal, Mr. J. E. Ramage, Atty. Ralph
Glenn, Mrs. Clyde Allen, Mr. Walter Storm; and to other persons who
assisted in this endeavor, Mr, John Knodell, Mrs. C. H. Douglas, Mr. Ken
Woodell, Mr. William Hamel, Jr., Mr. Clark Brogan, Virgil H. Judge,
Supt0 of Schools, George M. Pendell, Executive Secretary of the Mattoon
Association of Commerce, James Warren, City Clerk, and Walter Miller,
Chairman of the Mattoon Planning Commission.

Respectfully submitted,

Donald E. Clark,

Graduate Assistant

Z^u<fav& <^r~"

Edward H. Storey, Head

Recreation Field Service

1

IV

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

ACKNOWLE DGME NT iii

LIST OF TABLES vi

CHAPTER

I. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM 1

Introduction 1

Problem of the Study 1

Scope and Limitations of the Study 2

Methods and Techniques of Research 2

Guiding Principles 4

Review of Related Literature 5

Definition of Terms 9

II . NATURE OF THE COMMUNITY 13

Brief History 13

Local Government 16

Population 17

Transportation 18

Industry and Trade 18

Public Utilities 19

Topography 20

III. EXISTING RECREATION FACILITIES AND THEIR
EVALUATION 21

Public Facilities 21

Public School Facilities 26

Facilities of Voluntary Organizations, Private

Groups and Clubs, and Churches 32

Evaluation of Existing Public Recreation Facilities --- 34

Neighborhood Study Areas 38

Community Park Facilities 45

City-wide Park Facilities 46

Special Recreation Facilities 48

IV. EXISTING RECREATION PROGRAM SERVICES 54

V. SURVEY OF THE RECREATION INTERESTS OF THE

YOUTH AND ADULTS 58

Recreation Interests of the Adults 59

Recreation Interests of the Youth ■ — 61

General Program Needs 64

VI. SUMMARY OF CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS- 68

Conclusion 1 68

Recommendation 1 68

Conclusion 2 ■ - 69

Recommendation 2 69

Conclusion 3 7-0

Recommendation 3 70

Conclusion 4 71

Recommendation 4 71

Conclusion 5 72

Recommendation 5 72

Conclusion 6 77

Recommendation 6 77

BIBLIOGRAPHY-

78

79

80

APPENDICES

A. Program Service and Facility Questionnaire

B. Adult Interest Questionnaire 84

C. Youth Interest Questionnaire 87

D. Mattoon Recreation Board Final Report - 1958 89

E. Public Playground and Recreation Centers Law of

1921, as Amended 96

F. Recreation Ordinance 99

G. Public Recreation and Park Board 102

H. Superintendent of Recreation and Parks 105

VI

LIST OF TABLES

Table Page

I. 1958 Tax Rates for the City of Mattoon 16

II. Population Growth of Mattoon 1890-1959 17

III. Public Recreation Outdoor Facilities and Equipment-- 23

IV. Indoor and Outdoor Recreation Facilities of the Public

Schools 28

V. Facilities of Organizations, Clubs, and Churches 33

VI. Commercial Recreation Facilities of Mattoon 35

VII. Program Services of Organizations, Clubs and Churches - 56

VIII. Tabulation Summary of Adult Interest Questionnaires 59

IX. Tabulation Summary of Youth Interest Questionnaires 61

1.

CHAPTER I
A STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Introduction

The past decade has given rise and stature to the theory that
recreation is an essential service of government. The recent increase in
the provision of recreation opportunities by municipalities reflects the grow-
ing opinion that recreation is a vital segment of modern living; and should
be made available to all citizens regardless of age, race, sex, creed, or
economic status.

A well-balanced municipal recreation program is a positive force in
any community. A list of its attributes would include a significant contribution
to the health, safety, mental development and social adjustment of its citizens;
a powerful force in the prevention of juvenile delinquency; and a spiritual
assist in making the community a better place for everyone to live.

It is of prime importance that a community considering the establish-
ment of an official recreation agency, should first take stock of its existing
resources, determine its needs, and work out a plan for immediate action as
well as a long-range program. This is the purpose of a recreation survey.

The interest for this survey developed from communications between
citizens of Mattoon and its neighboring city, Charleston. In 1957 and 1958,
Mr. Daniel Stapay, under the auspices of the University of Illinois' Depart-
ment of Recreation, made a recreation survey for the City of Charleston.
Soon after, the City of Mattoon was referred to the newly formed U. of I.
Recreation Field Service Bureau, directed by E, H. Storey. On November 4th,

2.
1958, Mattoon city officials made a contractual agreement with the Bureau
and final plans were established. Mayor Morgan F. Phipps thereupon
appointed five citizens to act as a survey steering committee under the
Chairmanship of Dr. Elmer Goetz, Park Commissioner.

Statement of the Problem

To make a survey of the City of Mattoon, Illinois considering all
factors related to the further development of recreation facilities and services
for the leisure time benefit of all its citizenry.

Scope and Limitations

1. To determine the status of existing recreation areas, facilities,
and services of public, semi-public, commercial, and private agencies, clubs,
and groups in the City of Mattoon, and its immediate vicinity.

2. To obtain an insight into the recreation interests and needs of the
citizenry of Mattoon by means of an analysis of response from the citizens
through interest questionnaires.

3. To determine the status of local factors that are related to
recreation planning in the City of Mattoon.

4. After consideration of the above factors, to develop recommenda-
tions for the further development of recreation areas, facilities, and services,
in order to improve the quantity and quality of recreation opportunities for all
the citizenry of Mattoon,

Methods and Techniques of Research
1. Historical -

The historical method was used in the collection of data
related to the historical development, population trends, and other related
factors involved in the making of this survey. Documents of primary and
secondary source, and the use of individual interviews provided the means of
procuring historical data.

2. Questionnaires -

The questionnaire method was used to discover the recreation
interests of the youth and adults of Mattoon. (With the cooperation of the
Junior and Senior High Schools each student was asked to fill out a youth
interest questionnaire).

Individual contact was made at regularly scheduled meetings
of Parent-Teacher Association groups and service organizations in order to
discover the recreation interests of adults by means of the Adult Interest
Questionnaire. Three of the largest industries also cooperated by having
questionnaires filled out at their plants by those employees who reside within
Mattoon.

Each organization, club, and group in the City was given a copy
of the facilities and services questionnaire. (As they were contacted, they
were informed of the combined meeting of all members of the organization,
clubs, and groups, who were interested in the present undertaking. ) This
questionnaire was given to each organization, club, and group, in order to
determine the status of existing semi-public, private and commercial
facilities and services.

4.

3. Observation -

Existing recreation areas and facilities were personally-
surveyed and the data regarding each was systematically recorded.

4, Appraisal and Evaluation -

The appraisal and evaluation method was used in the analysis
of existing recreation areas, facilities, and services. The standards
recommended by the National Recreation Association and the California
Committee on Standards for Recreation Park Areas were used as a guide in
these efforts.

Guiding Principles

In a survey such as this, as well as in any other orderly procedure
of study, it is imperative that basic principles are established and used as
guiding precepts throughout. It is only in this manner that the attainment
of desired objectives may be assured.

The following principles that were adopted for this survey are ones
that have been widely accepted and used in the past,

1. Recreation planning should provide recreation opportunities for
all, regardless of race, creed, color, age, or economic status.

2. Planning for recreation must be based upon a knowledge of the
needs, interests, and resources of the community.

3. Planning for recreation should be undertaken with full cooperation
of the citizens, so that it may reflect their thinking concerning the needs and
interests of all groups.

5.

4. Facilities and services provided by semi-public and private
organizations and commercial enterprises to meet leisure needs of the
citizens should be carefully evaluated before plans for areas, facilities,
and services are prepared, in order that a proper relationship between pri-
vate and public facilities may be established and duplication may be avoided.

5. Recreation planning for a city should be planned as related parts
of a unified, well-balanced system to serve the entire area of jurisdiction.

6. Recreation facilities and areas should be planned on a neighbor-
hood, district, and city-wide basis to provide maximum opportunities for all.

7. Each recreation area and facility should be centrally located within
the area it is planned to serve and should be provided with safe and convenient
access for all residents of the area.

8„ Planning for recreation facilities should encompass areas beyond
a city, county, or other jurisdictions that are related to it.

9„ In developing recreation plans, consideration should be given to
widely accepted principles and standards.

10. Consideration must be given in planning to the development of
public understanding of plans.

11. Planning must include provision for community organization. This
may include formation of new authorities, consolidation of agencies, or pro-
visions for cooperative action.

Review of Related Literature

In order to insure a proper perspective, the benefit of past works and
experiences, and a properly-balanced survey, it was necessary that related

6.
literature be reviewed. To review all literature expressly related to
community surveys would easily have been a study in itself. However, the
following studies are ones that were distinctively helpful in the development
of the Mattoon survey.

1. The Master Plan of Mattoon, prepared for the City Planning
Commission by Metropolitan Planners, Inc. of Indianapolis, Indiana, was
extremely helpful as a source of information of, and as a guide to, the
physical areas and facilities of the City and its vicinity. The study included

a detailed evaluation of areas and facilities, and recommendations based upon
National Recreation Association standards for their further expansion and

development.

2

2. A Geographical Survey of Mattoon by Nicholas Schmidt presented

helpful background material for the survey and provided information regarding

local factors related to recreation planning in Mattoon.

3

3. A Recreation Survey of Charleston, Illinois and Vicinity, by Daniel

Stapay, was closely related to the Mattoon survey due to the geographical
proximity and relationship of size of both cities, and the recency of the study.
Since both cities lay within the boundaries of Coles County, Illinois, there was
a duplication of information concerning the County and both cities. This study
was used primarily as a basis for comparison.

Metropolitan Planners. Inc. , A Master Plan for Mattoon. City

Planning Commission, Mattoon, Illinois, Revised April 1957.

2
Schmidt, Nicholas J„ "A Geographical Survey of Mattoon, Illinois".

Unpublished Doctoral Dissertation, University of Illinois, Urbana, 1952.

-^Stapay, Daniel R„ , "A Recreation Survey of Charleston, Illinois, and
Vicinity." Unpublished Master's Thesis, University of Illinois, Urbana, 1958,

7.

4. The Guide for Planning Recreation Parks in California4 was
used in the formation of guiding principles and standards on which to conduct
this survey. It was also valuable in the development of an inventory of exist-
ing land-use items of recreation value.

5. A Recreation Survey of the Rockford Park District, by Sapora,
made an analysis of the existing recreation facilities and services of public,
voluntary, school, and private agencies and groups within the Rockford Park
District, and compares these facilities and services to nationally accepted
standards. Following this comparison, a master plan for the district was
developed.

Although the Rockford survey dealt with a much larger city and was
more detailed, some of the techniques used were equally applicable to the
survey of Mattoon.

The questionnaire regarding information of existing services and
facilities in Mattoon was patterned after the questionnaire used in the Rockford
survey.

6. An Analytical Survey of the Recreation Interests and Habits of the
Youth and Adults of Urbana, Illinois, was closely related to the Mattoon
survey. Because of its nature of purpose and the close geographical

California Committee on Planning for Recreation Park Areas and
Facilities, Guide for Planning Recreation Parks in California. Sacramento,
California, 1956.

Sapora, Allen V, , A Recreation Survey of the Rockford Park District.
Board of Park Commissioners, Rockford, Illinois, 1955.

Mears, Robert C. , "An Analytical Survey of the Recreation Interests
and Habits of the Youth and Adults of Urbana, Illinois, and General Proposals
for Improving the Civic Recreation Program." Unpublished Master's Thesis,
University of Illinois, Urbana, 1951.

8.
proximity of the two cities, the findings in the Urbana survey which high-
lighted the recreation interests of its citizens and developed recommendations
for general improvements in facilities and services, was used as a guide in

procuring similar information for the Mattoon survey.

7

7. A Master Plan for the City of Carlinville , Illinois, developed

plans for a long-range program in scale with the present and anticipated
recreation needs of that City. This study was used as a guide in the develop-
ment of a similar program for Mattoon, It was particularly helpful in its
explanation of the methods of financing its plan, which is of interest to all
communities.

Q

8. Recreation for Community Living, published by the Athletic
Institute contained guiding principles which were used as a basis for planning
and conducting this survey.

9. Space standards for recreation areas and facilities recommended

o
by the National Recreation Association were used in the evaluation of existing

areas and facilities and as a guide in developing related recommendations

for Mattoon.

7
Scruggs and Hamond, A Master Plan for the Carlinville Park

District. Board of Park Commissioners, Carlinville, Illinois, 1953.

8

The Athletic Institute, "Recreation for Community Living".

Chicago, Illinois 1952.

9
Standards for Neighborhood Recreation Areas and Facilities.

National Recreation Association. New York.

9.
Definition of Terms

The following definitions are those of terms which are used through-
out this study. Definitions given were taken from A Glossary of Public
Recreation Terms. by Hanson D„ Sessoms.

Balanced Program: A diversified program of recreation activities
and services based on established principles and designed to
equitably meet the broad interests, needs and capabilities of the
populace.

Community: Includes people, geographical territory and a common
purpose. The people are held together by a psychological bond and
may act together consciously or unconsciously in their chief concerns
of life. They create, as a result of their common interest, certain
institutions of a legal, protective, educational, economic, recrea-
tional and religious character. A community includes factors of
interdependence and belonging and a sense of usefulness through con-
tributing to the common good.

Evaluation: The appraising of existing recreation areas, facilities,
program, services or personnel in accordance with some established
standards or criteria.

Leisure. Time, free from work and free from fulfilling the basic
obligations and necessities of life, available for pursuits freely
decided upon by the individual.

10

Sessoms, Hanson D. , "A Glossary of Public Recreation Terms."

North Carolina Recreation Commission, Raleigh, North Carolina June, 1956.

10.
Master Plan for Recreation: A long term guide for the systematic

and orderly selection and development of recreation facilities and
services over a given period of time, It might be composed of
such elements as goals, organization structure, activity program,
areas, facilities, personnel and financial support.

Neighborhood: A segment of a community composed of a residential
area whose people may have common ethnic, social and economic
characteristics. They are generally served by the same elementary
school and recreation center. The neighborhood may be bounded
by barriers such as thoroughfares, railroads, waterways and by
commercial and industrial developments.

Park District: A subdivision of state government exercising within
its jurisdiction the authority of a municipality. It may operate and
maintain parks, recreation programs, police forces, airports and
other such facilities and programs designated in the act establishing
the district.

Planning: The development of an organized procedure including the
selection of goals and objectives and the tools of action necessary
to carry out these goals. Planning involves the taking in considera-
tion of the total social and physical environment and the role that
recreation plays in the master plan of a given area.
Recreation. The natural expression of certain human interests and
needs seeking satisfaction during leisure. It is an individual or a
group experience motivated primarily by the enjoyment and satisfaction

11.

derived therefrom. It takes many forms and may be a planned or
spontaneous activity.

Recreation Board or Commission An appointed or elected body
of laymen, serving on a salaried or volunteer basis, usually
responsible for determining the policies of a public recreation
agency and/or advising the chief executive. It convenes from time to
time and is generally required to act collectively according to powers
derived from enabling legislation, charter and similar jurisdictions.
Recreation Facilities: Buildings and other physical features and
provisions designed and constructed for recreation use such as swim-
ming pools, community recreation centers, stadiums and outdoor
theaters.

Recreation. Private: A recreation program and/or services established
under the auspices of an agency or organization which is supported by
other than governmental funds such as the Community Chest Fund,
private donations and membership fees. Private agencies usually
serve a particular constituency and often limit their services to a given
area of a city.

Recreation, Public: Governmental provision of recreation opportunities
and services available to all people. They are financed primarily by
taxation and include the establishment, operation, conduct, control,
and maintenance of program, services, areas, and facilities.
Survey. A cooperative undertaking which applies scientific methods to
the study and treatment of current recreation data, problems and

12.
conditions. The limits of a survey are prescribed before execution,
and its facts, findings, conclusions and recommendations are made
common knowledge and a force for intelligent coordinated action.

13,

CHAPTER II
NATURE OF THE COMMUNITY
Each community is distinctive in having its own past, traditions,
and citizenry that have framed the bulwark for its present status. In order
to better understand the present, that which has gone before must be known.
With this in mind, the following chapter attempts to briefly describe the
City of Mattoon, yesterday and today,

Brief History

"A little more than 100 years ago a series of events
in the Middle West led to developments which created the
City of Mattoon in 1855. One of these events was the
gradual taming of the wild prairies, as the Mexican war,
the Gold Rush and mounting interest in railroads accelerated
the westward movement of people,"

As is the case of many Illinois cities, the building of the railroads
was primarily the largest singly factor contributing to their birth. Such was
the beginning of Mattoon, established at the intersecting point of the Terre
Haute and Alton Railroad where it crossed the already existing Illinois
Central tracks.

The founded town was so named Mattoon in honor of William B.
Mattoon, an active partner in a construction firm called Phelps, Mattoon,
and Barnes, which had the contract to build the Terre Haute and Alton Rail-
road. With the further extension of railroad services to distant communities
the town grew steadily and decided to incorporate as a city in 1857, although

Summers, Alex, Mr, Mattoon's City, The National Bank of Mattoon,

Illinois, 1955.

14.

the final charter was not granted until 1861. Visits to the community by

Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant during this early period lended

historical significance to the city.

In 1869, a writer in the Illinois Central Directory stated:

"Mattoon . . . one of the most prosperous towns
in this part of the state . . . has a population of 4, 500 . . .
Many new dwelling houses were built during the last
year; also several brick business houses. ..."

"There are seven churches in the town

schools are good and well attended . . . Four large
public school houses are completed. .. there are four
hotels, and another will be erected this season ... a
national bank with a capital of $100,000; a printing office;
three newspapers; 30 stores of all kinds . . . and 1 manu-
facturing establishments.

Along with railroads and farming, the discovery of oil and the develop-
ment of industry played a major role in the steady growth of the City.

Since 1946, there have been nineteen new subdivisions established
and some 2, 500 new homes. Within the City, and its vicinity, are five
hotels, four motels and numerous restaurants. Churches now number
approximately thirty-six.

Mass communication medias offered within the City are "The Daily
Journal Gazette" published daily except Sundays and holidays, and "WLBH"
radio station operating a full daytime schedule of broadcasting.

Today Mattoon is a progressive, forward-looking community of approxi-
mately 20, 000 persons. (Figure I page 15 includes a map of the present
corporate limits of Mattoon. ) The City covers sections of Mattoon and
Lafayette Townships in Coles County, east central Illinois.

ZIbid

16.
Local Government

The present City of Mattoon is governed by a Mayor and four
commissioners aided by the City Clerk, Treasurer, Attorney, and other
officials who work in close conjunction with the commission. Concurrently
with their legislative duties, the mayor and commissioners are also the
political heads of the Police, Fire, Water, and Street Departments, and
have jurisdiction over public health and safety, public property, public finance
and all the varied responsibilities inherent to these posts.

Municipal income is derived from property tax, sales tax, wheel tax,
licenses, permits, fees, fines, parking meters, motor fuel tax refunds,
water and sewerage services, and rent from municipal-owned buildings. For
the 1958 fiscal year $559,848 was appropriated for municipal purposes. In
the same year, the total assessed valuation was $45, 037 , 372.

TABLE I

19 58 TAX RATES FOR THE CITY OF MATTOON

Mattoon Township

County Unit Rate . 1963

Township Unit Rate ............ .2342

District No. 2 (school) rate . ....... 1.8067

Corporation Rate .6301

Memorial Hospital District . 1602

Total ......... 3.0275

Lafayette Township

County Unit Rate . . 1963

Township Unit Rate ............ .3643

District No. 2 (school) Rate 1.8067

Corporation Rate .6301

Memorial Hospital District . 1602

Total 3. 1576

17.

Population

The following Table shows the population of Mattoon for each decade
as given by the United States Bureau of Census since the year 1890.

Year

189 0
1900

1910
1920
1930
1940
1950
1959

TABLE II
POPULATION GROWTH

City of Mattoon
1890-1959

Population

6,833

9,622

11,456

13,552

14,631

15,827

1 7 , 54 7

20,000 (esti- .
mated)

It can be noted that since 1890 the population has increased at a
relatively steady rate0 There seems to be no indication that this rate will
not continue. New industrial developments, one of which will be in operation
in a matter of months, promise to assist in pushing the population further
upward. Aside from the new subdivisions that have already been annexed,
there are other residential areas adjacent to the City that will undoubtedly
be annexed within the next few years.

^U. S. Department of Commerce, U. S. Bureau of Census, U.S.
Census of Population: 1950, Vol. II, Characteristics of the Population, Part
III Illinois, Chapter B. , U.S. Government Printing Office , Washington, D. C. ,
1952.

18.

Transportation

Geographically, Mattoon lies approximately fifty miles north and west
of the center of the nation's population. It is served by the following three
principal highways:

U.S. Route No. 45, running from Chicago, Illinois
to Mobile, Alabama, and connecting at a point 28 miles
south of Mattoon with the National Highway - U.S. Route
No. 40 - extending from coast to coast.

Illinois State Route No. 16, running from Paris,
Illinois to Litchfield, Illinois and leading by connecting
routes west to St. Louis, Missouri and east to Indiana-
polis, and hence beyond these terminal cities in all
directions.

Illinois State Route No. 121 running from U.S.
Route No. 40 at Greenup, Illinois, to Decatur and
Peoria, Illinois.

F.A.I. No. 4 - the new super highway from Chicago,
Illinois south to New Orleans, Louisiana (part of the Federal
Road project) will lie along the east outskirts of Mattoon.

Continuing to serve the City as they did one hundred years ago,
the Illinois Central and New York Central Railroads offer fast mainland
freight and passenger services in all directions.

Coles County Airport, a Class III or Feeder Airport, is located five
miles east of Mattoon. The operator of the port offers charter service, and
is served by Ozark Air Lines with scheduled flights between Chicago, St.
Louis and other major cities.

Industry and Trade

Among the chief activities of any urban community are the economic
or livelihood functions upon which the city depends for its very existence.

19.

"Mattoon's diversified economy rests on three main
supports - on manufacturing and transportation directly
and on agriculture indirectly through its marketing and
merchandising function .... Manufacturing is the city's
most important occupation on the basis of employment and
income. . . Products ranging from baby shoes to road
building machinery leave Mattoon's plants for national and
international markets daily. "4

Transportation occupations and an exceptionally advantageous
position astride an excellent rail and truck line network establish Mattoon
as a transportation center. In terms of employment and total wages, trans-
portation is the City's second most important function.

Mattoon's retail trade area covers an extensive section of Eastern
Illinois. Though limited by overlapping trade zones of Decatur, Champaign-
Urbana, Danville, and Terre Haute, the area extends for a great distance to
the south and west due to the fact there is no close shopping center larger
than or as large as Mattoon's.

Public Utilities

Central Illinois Public Service Company furnishes Mattoon with its
source of electricity and natural gas. The natural gas is supplied through the
Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Company's large transmission mains near
Tuscola.

Illinois Consolidated Telephone Company, an independent company
connected with the nation-wide Bell Telephone System, serves the city.
Western Union's Mattoon office provides world-wide telegraph and cable
service on a seven day basis.

4Mattoon Association of Commerce, Survey of Mattoon, Illinois.
Mattoon, 1958.

20.

The water and sewerage systems are municipally owned. The supply
of water is secured from two municipally-owned lakes, Lake Paradise and
Lake Mattoon; the latter being recently completed.

Topography

Within the corporate limits of Mattoon, the topography consists

of flat upland prairie soils.

Surface water from the northeast, east, and southeast
areas of the City flow via several small creeks into the
Embarass River. Water from the City's southwest area flows
through a small creek into Lake Paradise, and thence into the
Little Wabash River. °

Schmidt, op. cit. , p. 5,

21.

CHAPTER III
EXISTING RECREATION FACILITIES AND THEIR EVALUATION

In determining the status of recreation in a city, consideration must
be given to the amount, types, and distribution of existing recreation facili-
ties. Any type of recreational activity demands some amount of either
indoor or outdoor space „ With this in mind the following chapter is concerned
with the existing recreation facilities within the City and in its immediate
vicinity.

Public Facilities -

Within the corporate limits Mattoon has four tracts designated as parks,
Lawson Park, Peterson Park, Kinzel Park and Allison- Cunningham Park. All
four tracts are operated by, and under the jurisdiction of the City Park Depart-
ment and are supported by tax funds. (Table III page 2 3 lists existing
public owned facilities within Mattoon. Figure 1 page 37 shows these existing
facilities. )

At the western edge of the City, though in part lying beyond the City
limits, is another important park, Lytle Park. Of its seventeen and six-
tenths acres, only six and six-tenths are owned by the City. The remainder
of the tract is owned by, and under the jurisdiction of the Mattoon Township
Park Board. This managing authority was formed for the purpose of financing
the construction of a large outdoor swimming pool with a gallonage capacity of
over one million. Due to the fact that the municipal- owned property within
Lytle Park lies adjacent to the larger tract owned by Mattoon Township, the

22.

City agreed to vest administrative and operational control with the Mattoon
Township Park Board.

Other public-owned recreation facilities, though outside the corporate
limits, include both Lake Paradise and Lake Mattoon. The lakes are under
the jurisdiction of the City Council and Water Department. Lake Paradise,
covering some two-hundred fifty acres, has long been a recreation spot for
many area residents. Although it has filled in considerably, it is still
extensively used for recreation purposes. Sites for cabins and cottages are
leased by the city and fishing, boating and picnic facilities are available.
Separate camps are maintained on Lake Paradise by Boy Scouts and Girl
Scouts. Lake Paradise lies approximately five miles southwest of the city.

Some eight miles beyond Lake Paradise, near Neoga, Illinois, lies
Lake Mattoon. It was recently built to provide a more adequate water supply
for the city, and encompasses some one thousand acres. Sites for cottages
and cabins have been sold by the city to anyone desiring them. A large site
has been leased to a Mr. Speckman and a Mr. Owens for the purpose of
developing commercial recreation facilities on the lake; a swimming area
(and beach), boat docks (and storage), picnic area with shelter house,
concessions, and children's rides. This development should prove to be one
of the better commercial recreational enterprises of the area. Although it
is commercial, the city has been assured that prices will be kept at a minimum.
Lake Mattoon will assuredly become one of the most popular areas in that
part of the state.

TABLE III

PUBLIC RECREATION OUTDOOR FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT

23.

Allison- Kinzel

Cunningham Park Park

Lawson
Park

Total Acres
Tennis Courts
Horseshoe Courts
Basketball Goals
Softball Diamonds
Baseball Diamonds
Football Fields
Swings
Slides

Climbing Apparatus
Merry -Go -Rounds
Circular Hand Swings
Croquet Courts
Outdoor Grills
Storage House
Toilet Facilities
Teeter -Totters

2

.9

7

None

None

4

None

None

None

None

2

None

None

None

None

None

None

1

None

None

1

17

9

12

1

2

2

2

1

1

None

None

1

None

None

1

1

None

None

1

None

5

None

None

1

Yes

No

Yes

4

3

10

TABLE III (Continued)

24.

Lytle Park*

Peterson Park*

Total Acres

Tennis Courts
Horseshoe Courts
Basketball Goals
Softball Diamonds
Baseball Diamonds
Football Fields
Swings
Slides

Climbing Apparatus
Merry -Go -Rounds
Circular Hand Swings
Croquet Courts
Teeter -Totters
Horizontal Swing
Outdoor Grills
Storage House
Toilet Facilities
Outdoor Shelter

(City Owned Land) 6. 6
(Twnp. Owned Land) 1 1. 0

2
None
None
None
None
None
23
None

3

1
None
None

4
None
11

1
Yes

1

22.0

2

6
None
None

1
None
22

2

1

2

2

2

1
16

1
Yes
None

25.

TABLE III (Continued)

Lytle Park* Peterson Park**

Swimming Pool 1 None

Size 1, 000, 000 gal.

Concession Stands 1

*Ope rated by the Mattoon Township Park Board.
**Commercial "Kiddy" Play Land containing ferris wheel, merry-
go-round, miniature airplane swing and miniature train ride within the
park.

26.

At some time in the near future, one of the largest developments in
the history of the State of Illinois will be constructed near Mattoon. This
is the proposed Kaskaskia Valley water development program, that will
be financed from federal funds. Present plans for the Kaskaskia Valley
call for the construction of two large reservoirs, one at Carlyle, and the
other at Shelbyville. The Shelbyville Reservoir will be within fifteen miles
of Mattoon and will cover some eleven-thousand acres. The reservoirs
will provide vast recreational facilities for miles of surrounding area
throughout Central Illinois.

Indoor public-owned recreation facilities are extremely limited in
Mattoon. Other than those facilities within school buildings, Mattoon has
the Burgess-Osborne Auditorium which can be used for meetings, dances,
etc. , and an auditorium in the City Building which serves similar purposes.
Also included in the City Building and the Burgess-Osborne Auditorium
are small rooms that are used for meeting purposes.

The National Guard Armory at the eastern edge of the City, though
presently not available for public use, is an extremely large and attractive
building. The recreation services that this building could provide are many
and varied.

Public School Facilities -

Outdoor recreation areas on school properties, though still limited
are expanding at a fairly rapid rate. The present expansion and development
program of the Unit Two School District is taking steps forward to alleviate

27.
the need for more adequate recreation areas. (Table IV page 28 lists
facilities of the schools. )

The new school site on South Ninth Street where Jefferson Junior
High and Franklin Elementary School have recently been built will offer
an excellent outdoor area for recreational purposes. Another such area
will be available when the old Hawthorne Elementary School is torn down.
(The Board of Education has purchased additional land on the west side
of the school tract permitting the closing of Twenty -Fifth Street between
Champaign and Richmond Avenues, ) In both cases, Franklin Elementary
and the new Hawthorne Elementary School are designed to provide indoor
space and toilet facilities adjacent to the outdoor area, which can be
completely isolated from the remainder of the building,

Bennett Elementary School and Washington Elementary School are
fortunate in having public parks adjacent to and in addition to their own
outdoor facilities. (Shelby Avenue between Twelfth and Thirteenth Street
has been closed to permit the combining of Washington Elementary School
facilities with those of Allison-Cunningham Park.) Other schools, except
Mattoon Senior High, have extremely limited outdoor recreational areas.
The High School site, some forty acres, offers a large area for organized
athletic competition.

Indoor recreation areas in the public schools are adequate only for
limited purposes. Because of the very fact that the buildings are designed
and used primarily for educational purposes, no one school building could
or should be used extensively as a community recreation center. However,

TABLE IV

INDOOR AND OUTDOOR RECREATION FACILITIES
OF THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

OUTDOOR FACILITIES

NAME OF SCHOOL
Bennett Columbian Franklin-

Total site - Acres

Hard surface areas (sq. ft. )

Building Area (Per cent)

Softball Diamonds

Basketball Goals

Swings

Slides

Climbing Apparatus

Teeter -Totters

Merry -Go -Rounds

5,000

15%

2.25

16,281

30%

None

15%

2

3

2

6

6

3

None

N

one

None

1

3

2

4

4

None

None

N

one

None

INDOOR FACILITIES

Gymnasium

dimensions (in ft. )
seating capacity
stage

Class Rooms

removable seats
cafeteria

dimensions (in ft. )

Lounges

Visual Aids Room

t
Library

60x50

300

1

60x39

375
1

60x40
300

1

15

Yes

1

7 5x2 5

13
Yes
1
Gym

12
Yes
1
Gym

1

2

1

None

None

None

1

None

1

*New building. Outdoor area not completely developed.

29.

TABLE IV (Continued)

OUTDOOR FACILITIES

NAME OF SCHOOLS
Grant Park Hawthorne Lincoln

Total site - Acres

Hard surface areas (sq. ft. )

Building Area (Per cent)

Softball Diamonds

Basketball Goals

Swings

Slides

Climbing Apparatus

Teeter -Totters

Merry-Go -Rounds

1.45

2.5

5,890

2, 184*

9,744

10%

30%

2 5%

2

2

2

2

2

2

3

2

3

None

None

None

1

1

2

4

None

None

None

None

1

INDOOR FACILITIES

Gymnasium

dimensions (in ft. )
seating capacity
stage

Class Rooms

removable seats
cafeteria
dimensions (in ft. )

Lounges

Visual Aids Room

Library

None

1

1

60x4 0

38x37

300

1

1

4

12

18

Yes

Yes

Yes

None

1

Gym

1

None

None

None

Same as Visual
Aids

None

^Covered with roof.

30.

TABLE IV (Continued)

OUTDOOR FACILITIES

NAME OF SCHOOLS
Lowell Washington*

Total site - Acres

Hard surface areas (sq. ft. )

Building Area (per cent)

Softball Diamonds

Basketball Goals

Swings

Slides

Climbing Apparatus

Teeter -Totters

Merry-Go -Rounds

2. 5

9,290

30%

None

2

10

2

2

3

None

3,350

30%

1

None
None
None
None
None
None

INDOOR FACILITIES

Gymnasium

dimensions (in ft. )
seating capacity
stage

Class Rooms

removable seats
cafeteria

dimensions (in ft. )

Lounges

Visual Aids Room

Library

1

58x37
300

1

14
Yes
1
42x39

1

1

None

1

45x37
350
1

12
Yes
1
57x30

1

None

None

^Adjacent to Allison-Cunningham Park. Park is used as school
grounds. Bisecting street between school and park has been closed.

31.

TABLE IV (Continued)

OUTDOOR FACILITIES

NAME OF SCHOOLS
Central Jefferson* Mattoon

Junior High Junior High High School

Total site - Acres
Hard surface areas (sq. ft. )
Building Area (Per cent)
Softball Diamonds
Basketball Goals
Football Fields
Baseball Diamonds
Tennis Courts

2. 06

14

40

None

4,000

None

92%

8%

2 5%

1

2

None

2

2

None

None

None

3

None

None

1

None

None

5

INDOOR FACILITIES

Gymnasium

dimensions (in ft. )
seating capacity
stage

Class Rooms

removable seats
cafeteria

dimensions (in ft. )

Lounges

Shops

Visual Aids Room

Library

90x80
1,600

1

74x42
1, 000+

1

110x100
4, 000

1

23
Yes
1
35x2 5

26
Yes

1

27
Yes
1
1, 300 sq. ft

1

1

1

2

2

2

None

None

None

1

1

1

''"New building. Outdoor area not completely developed.

32.

the new buildings, Mattoon Senior High, Jefferson Junior High, Franklin
Elementary, and Hawthorne Elementary could easily lend themselves to
limited indoor-outdoor recreation center activities. (Table IV, page 28
also lists the indoor facilities of the public schools. ) As indicated in the
previously mentioned table, there are a number of indoor facilities that
could be used to serve the recreational needs of all ages. (i.e. , gymna-
siums, shops, individual rooms, etc.) It should be noted that all classrooms
are equipped with removable seats, which would facilitate their use for
many purposes.

Facilities of Voluntary Organizations, Private Groups and Clubs, and
Churches -

The extent of areas and facilities owned or leased by organizations,
groups, clubs, and churches can be found in Table V, page 33 . This
listing was derived from the Program Service and Facility Questionnaires
returned by the related group named. Of the approximately seventy
questionnaires that were distributed, thirty-two were returned. It can be
assumed that many of the organizations, groups, clubs, and churches which
received the questionnaire had no information to volunteer.

Of privately-owned recreation facilities within Mattoon, and its
vicinity, the most outstanding are those owned by the Mattoon Country Club
which has dining facilities, lounges, and a fifty acre, eleven-hole golf
course.

The only voluntary organizations that own their own facilities are the
Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts who have their own camps located on Lake Paradise.

33.

TABLE V

FACILITIES OF ORGANIZATIONS, CLUBS, AND
CHURCHES MATTOON, ILLINOIS - 1959

NAME

TYPE OF
FACILITY

SIZE OF
FACILITY

American Legion

Demolays
Elks

Knights of Columbus
Moose
\-Country Club

Boy Scouts

^Girl Scouts

Rainbow Riding Club

Rifle and Pistol Club

Social Hall

Kitchen

Bar

Game Rooms

Club Room

Club Room

Hall

Club Room

Dining Room
Kitchen
Lounges
Golf Course

Camp and Cabin
(Paradise Lake)

Camp and Cabin
(Paradise Lake)

Show Arena
Dining Hall

Indoor Range
Outdoor Range

120' x 50'

50' x 15'
150' x 30'
60' x 40'
140' x 50'
15, 000 sq. ft.

50 Acres
(11-hole)

5 Acres

5 Acres

350' x 100'

140' x 40'
100 yds.

Central Community Church Basement (Youth Center) 100' x 40'

East Side Baptist Church Social Room 28' x 16'

Edgar Avenue Baptist Church Basement

Outside Area

Seating capacity

50 persons
50' x 50'

^Estimated

34.
Of the churches, St. Joseph's facilities are the most extensive.
The Church's facilities include a gymnasium -auditorium, and classrooms
which are designed to serve its elementary school needs.

Commercial Recreation Facilities

Table VI page 35 includes the listing of commercial facilities
within Mattoon, and vicinity.

Evaluation of Existing
Public Recreation Facilities

In the first part of this chapter, the existing recreation facilities of
Mattoon have been described. In evaluating the status of these facilities
in relation to present and anticipated needs of the City, consideration must
be given to the amount or size of facilities, the type of facilities; and the
distribution of facilities. The latter consideration is based upon the
principle that recreation facilities should be provided on a neighborhood,
community, and city-wide basis to provide maximum opportunities for all.

In establishing space and facility standards for Mattoon, extensive
study was made of standards recommended by the National Recreation
Association, the California Committee on Planning for Recreation Park
Facilities, and the City of Chicago. On the basis of this study, standards
have been established as satisfactory minimum goals, which, if achieved
would provide adequate park space and public recreation facilities for all
residents of Mattoon. These standards are included in the description of
each type of park and special facility in this chapter. By no means are these

35.

TABLE VI
COMMERCIAL RECREATION FACILITIES MATTOON, ILLINOIS - 1959

TYPE

NAME

SEATING OR
OPERATING CAPACITY

Movie Theatres (3)

Bowling Alleys (2)

Billiard Halls (3)

Roller Rinks (l)
Amusements

Mattoon

Times

Skyway (Drive-in)

Mattoon Bowling Alley

Corp.
Etog Bowling

Illinois Tap Room
Evans Brothers
Combs Pool and
Billiards

Silver Star

"Kiddy" Playland
(Peterson Park)

Mattoon Lake

Development

1, 140
540
600 cars

12 alleys
10 alleys

5 tables
7 tables

9 tables

500+

75 (estimated)

New Development
(no data)

36.

standards to be considered inflexible; they are only offered as general
guides for evaluation. It should be noted that the National Recreation
Association's standards, previously used in the Mattoon Master Plan,
are approximately fifteen years old and are presently being revised by
the Association.

In meeting the recreation needs of the citizens of Mattoon, five
categories of recreational facilities are required (l) Playlots; (2) Neigh-
borhood Parks; (3) Community Parks; (4) City -wide Parks; and (5) Special
Recreation Facilities. The definition of each individual category is in-
cluded with the evaluation of the area that each is intended to serve.

For the purpose of this survey, neighborhood study areas were
developed, based upon elementary school service boundaries and man-made
boundaries within the city (major trafficways and rail lines). Figure II
page 37 shows the nine neighborhood study areas used in the survey.

Community units are comprised by a group of neighborhood units.
In Mattoon, two community units are formed by the division of the city east
and west of the main Illinois Central Rail Lines. The eastern community
includes neighborhoods' "three", "four", "six", "seven", "eight", and "nine'
while the western community includes neighborhoods' "one", "two", and
"five". Although the eastern community contains twice the amount of
neighborhood units of the western community, the population of the eastern
community is not twice as great.

If the status of recreation and parks in Mattoon is to keep pace with
the growth of the City, a long-range plan for their systematic expansion

38.

must be developed. In order to arrive at reasonable conclusions as to the
recreational needs of the City, it is imperative that plans are developed
for the next twenty to twenty-five years. It seems reasonable to assume
that the population to be served in the 1980's will be at a figure between
30, 000 and 35, 000. (The Master Plan of Mattoon is based upon the assump-
tion that within twenty-five years, the population of Mattoon should reach
35,000. )

With this in mind, the task is established to evaluate present areas
and facilities on the basis of accepted standards and with relation to the
present needs of twenty thousand and the anticipated needs of thirty-five
thousand. Consideration was only given to the public-owned facilities.

Evaluation of Neighborhood Study Areas

The purpose of establishing neighborhood study areas within the City
was to afford more detailed evaluation of facilities in relation to accessibility
by all citizens. In addition to showing the nine neighborhood study areas
used in the survey, Figure II page also shows the approximate service

radii of the various neighborhood park areas.

Evaluations of existing facilities are based upon the service radius
factor within the neighborhood study areas. Those areas which do not lie
within the service radius of a neighborhood park can be considered as deficient
in necessary accessibility.

Within each neighborhood two types of facilities are necessary to pro-
vide adequate recreational opportunities, neighborhood parks and playlots.

39.

A playlot is a small area from 2, 500 to 10, 000 square feet, that
is planned for the imaginative, creative and sometimes vigorous outdoor
play of pre-school children. It usually contains sand-boxes, slides,
teeter-totters, swings, and various other types of small apparatus and
facilities. It is located within walking distance of the majority of homes,
is readily accessible to mothers and children and is usually located
within a neighborhood park.

A neighborhood park is an area from 2. 75 to 6 or more acres that
is planned to provide recreation facilities for children six years of age to
fourteen years of age . It usually contains swings, slides, teeter-totters,
spray or wading pools, softball diamonds, a quiet game area, and various
other children's facilities. Also included in a neighborhood park is a
playlot, serving the needs of pre-school children. It should be located
within easy walking distance of the homes in the neighborhood. Three-
eighths of one mile is generally recognized as the maximum effective
service radius of a neighborhood park.

The facilities for a neighborhood park may be located on school or
park property, or a combination of both. In cases where neighborhood park
facilities are located on school property or a combination of both school and
park property, it is recommended that indoor recreation facilities of the
schools be utilized for community recreation purposes along with outdoor

facilities.

The following evaluations and recommendations based upon neighbor-
hood study areas take into consideration the amount, types and distribution

40.

of existing facilities in relation to the needs of each neighborhood.

Neighborhood Study Area No. 1 - (estimated population - 4,400)

The existing recreation facilities formed by Lytle Park-Bennett
School properties with Zl acres of outdoor area serve part of Neighborhood
No. 1 as a neighborhood park. Although the Bennett School Building is not
designed to provide indoor recreation facilities in conjunction with its
outdoor facilities, necessary changes could and should be made so that
this provision is assured.

Due to the large residential area in the northwestern section which is
not within 3/8 mile of neighborhood park facilities, it is recommended that
a neighborhood park and playlot of at least three acres be developed in an
area within present corporate limits north of Shelby Street, east of 33rd
Street, and west of 28th Street.

The existing area formed by the combined facilities of Bennett
Elementary School and Lytle Park should be further landscaped and developed
as a neighborhood park-school area, furnishing indoor as well as outdoor
facilities.

Neighborhood Study Area No. 2 - (estimated population - 2, 500)

The existing facilities of the new Hawthorne Elementary School with
2 acres of outdoor area serve an extensive area in the western and central
sectors of neighborhood study area No. 2. Although this service radius does
not include the whole of the neighborhood, it is only recommended that

41.

(a) an additional acre or more of land be obtained adjacent to Hawthorne
School property; and (b) the development of this additional land, along
with further development of the existing property be made for the purpose
of offering neighborhood park and playlot facilities. The new Hawthorne
Elementary School is designed to provide indoor facilities for neighborhood
use. (it is within the northern sector of this study area that the establish-
ment of a city-wide park is recommended later on in this chapter. If this
additional acreage is obtained and developed, neighborhood park and playlot
needs of this study area would be assured. )

Neighborhood Study Area No. 3 - (estimated population - 2, 300)

The southern and central sectors of this neighborhood study area
are served by the existing recreation facilities formed by Washington School-
Allison-Cunningham Park properties. There are 3.4 acres of outdoor
recreation area in these combined properties.

Due to the large area in the northern sector which is not within 3/8
mile of neighborhood park facilities, it is recommended that a neighborhood
park and playlot of at least three acres be developed in an area within or
adjacent to the corporate limits north of Piatt Street, east of 14th Street,
and west of 9th Street.

The existing area formed by the combined facilities of Washington
Elementary School and Allison-Cunningham Park should be further landscaped
and developed as a neighborhood park-school area furnishing indoor as well
as outdoor facilities.

42.

Neighborhood Study Area No. 4 - (estimated population - 1, 150)

Although the large percentage of this area is outside the corporate
limits, certain needs exist. Since the northern accessibility to Peterson
Park is hindered by railroad lines and railroad property, the service
radius of the park is limiting to younger children. It is recommended that
(a) 1 l/2 to 2 acres be obtained adjacent to Grant Park School for neighbor-
hood park and playlot purposes to augment the existing outdoor recreation
space of 1. 3 acres; and (b) the additional property along with the existing
facilities be developed as a neighborhood park-school area furnishing
indoor as well as outdoor facilities.

Neighborhood Study Area No. 5 - (estimated population - 3, 100)

Although the combined areas of Kinzel Park and Columbian School
totalling2. 5 acres of outdoor space do not lie immediately adjacent to each
other, their close proximity qualifies them as a park-school area, serving
a large central sector of this neighborhood.

The southwestern sector of this study area, because of its distance
from the Kinzel Park-Columbian School facilities, is in need of playlot
facilities. To meet the needs of this sector, it is recommended that a
minimum of three acres be obtained within the Willow Drive Area and
within or near the corporate limits to serve as a neighborhood park and
playlot. The development of playlot facilities should be given priority in
order to insure convenient facilities for the pre-school children whose range
of accessibility is limited.

43.

With the extensive amount of public-owned property, including the

High School grounds, within this study area, it is recommended that no
further property be obtained in the eastern sector. Existing areas within
this neighborhood area should be further landscaped and developed for
neighborhood park purposes. Columbian Elementary School should make
available its indoor recreation facilities, and thereby establish the Colum-
bian School-Kinzel Park facilities as a neighborhood park-school area.

Neighborhood Study Area No. 6 - (estimated population - 1,350)

There are no facilities large enough in this neighborhood study area
to be considered as a neighborhood park. Overlapping service radii of
Lawson and Peterson Parks serve the majority of neighborhood needs.

Since the Lowell School property is near the center of an unserved
sector within this study area, it is recommended that playlot facilities
be further developed on the existing 1.75 acres. Although some of this study
area is more than 3/8 mile from neighborhood park facilities, the distance
to either Peterson Park and Lawson Park is not limiting for youths seven
years of age and older.

Neighborhood Study Area No. 7 - (estimated population - 1,950)

Peterson Park, an area of 22 acres, serves the majority of neighbor-
hood park needs in Neighborhood Study Area No. 7. The only sector that is
an extreme distance from Peterson Park is the new Crestview Subdivision.
It is recommended that a minimum of three acres be obtained near the

44.

Crestview Subdivision to serve as a neighborhood park. Priority should be
given to the construction of playlot facilities within this additional property.

Neighborhood Study Area No. 8 - (estimated population 2,950)

The existing facilities of Lawson Park and Lincoln School serve the
majority of neighborhood needs in this study area. Their combined acreage
is 8. 5.

However, the distance of Green Meadows Subdivision No. 2 and its
high percentage of children from Lincoln School facilities poses the immediate
need for playlot facilities and the anticipated need for neighborhood park
facilities in the southern sector of this study area. It is recommended that
a minimum of three acres be obtained outside the corporate limits near the
southern extreme of 15th Street for neighborhood park and playlot purposes.
The development of playlot facilities should be given priority in order to
increase convenient facilities for the pre-school children whose range of
accessibility is limited.

Due to the limited acreage of the Lincoln School property, it is
recommended that at least one and one -half acres be obtained adjacent to
the existing property to be developed as a neighborhood park and playlot.
The additional property along with the existing facilities should be landscaped
and developed as a neighborhood park-school area.

Neighborhood Study Area No. 9 - (estimated population - 1,200)

This area is fortunate in having the 17 acre outdoor site of the new

45.

Franklin Elementary and Jefferson Junior High Schools within its boundaries.
The development of this new site should include neighborhood park and playlot
facilities. Franklin Elementary School is well designed to provide indoor
recreation facilities adjacent to the outdoor areas.

The extreme southeastern sector of this study area is irore than 3/8
mile from neighborhood park and playlot facilities. It is recommended that
a minimum of three acres be obtained near the extreme southeastern
corporate limits for neighborhood park and playlot purposes. The develop-
ment of playlot facilities should be given priority.

Other Areas

The only major area that is not included as a neighborhood study
area are the subdivisions north and south of Western Avenue, outside the
western corporate limits. On the assumption that sometime in the future this
area will be annexed to the City, it is recommended that consideration be
given to obtaining a minimum of three acres for neighborhood park and
playlot purposes.

Evaluation of Community Park Facilities

A community park is an area from 10 to 20 or more acres providing
recreation facilities for a group of neighborhood units. Planned primarily
for young people and adults, though serving all ages, this area provides a
wider range of facilities than does the neighborhood park. However,
neighborhood facilities should be provided within it. Usually found within a

46.

community park are fields and courts for various sports, picnic areas,
areas of natural beauty and various other facilities. It sometimes includes
an outdoor swimming pool and indoor facilities including gymnasiums. One
mile is generally recognized as the maximum effective service radius of
a community park.

In determining the status of Mattoon's community park facilities,
it is evident that the two most outstanding community parks are Lytle
and Peterson Parks. Between these two existing areas and additional
community-wide facilities on the Mattoon Senior High site and the newly-
constructed Jefferson Junior High site, the majority of the eastern and
western community needs of Mattoon are adequately served.

The only sector of the City which is lacking community park
facilities is the central-northern area. It is recommended that at least
thirty acres within or adjacent to the northern sector of Neighborhood No. 2
(near Dodge Grove Cemetery) be obtained. Due to the fact that existing
community-wide areas are located within the central or southern parts of
the city, provision should be made for additional facilities to be located in
this northern sector. This additional area, along with further development
of the Jefferson Junior High and Mattoon Senior High sites would meet the
anticipated needs as well as the present needs of the City.

Evaluation of City-Wide Park Facilities

A city-wide park is by definition, an area of at least thirty acres
that provides recreation facilities for the whole city. Within a city-wide

47.

park are various facilities that serve all ages; a playlot; neighborhood
facilities; community facilities; plus other special facilities not provided
by community parks. These may include a lake for boating, swimming,
and fishing; natural areas; and a golf course, among other facilities.

At present, there are no existing areas that can be classified as
city-wide parks within or adjacent to the corporate limits. Only Lytle
and Peterson Parks have certain special facilities that are used on a city-
wide basis.

Although a few miles from the City, Lake Paradise and Lake Mattoon
can be fully considered as city-wide park areas. With further public
development of facilities, both areas could afford maximum opportunities
for all of the Mattoon citizenry. All areas within both lake sites that are,
or could be developed for recreational purposes should be placed under the
jurisdiction of the proposed recreation and parks managing authority.
The only problem involved in the recreation potential of these lakes is the
convenience and accessibility of these areas. Part of this problem could
be solved by the provision of public transportation to and from these areas
during the summer months.

The same need is apparent in the provision of city-wide facilities
as in community facilities. A large area should be obtained in the northern
sector of the City (as previously recommended) to provide city-wide and
community facilities as well as additional neighborhood facilities. This
additional area, along with the existing areas at Lake Paradise and Lake
Mattoon would meet the City's anticipated city-wide park needs.

48.

Evaluation of Special Recreation Facilities

Aside from the evaluation of the above mentioned areas on which
most special recreation facilities should be located, it is necessary to
determine whether there are sufficient amounts and types of special
recreation facilities to serve the City. Therefore, the following is a series
of evaluations in terms of special recreation facilities that should be
provided within Mattoon„

Community Centers

A Community Center is a building which is designed to provide
diversified indoor recreation facilities.

Usually included within the building are indoor areas for events of
a social nature; informal reading rooms; game rooms for table tennis,
billiards, shuffleboard, etc.; meeting rooms and an auditorium, snack
bar and kitchen; and a gymnasium. To serve its purpose such a building
must be generally and regularly available for the recreational use of the
entire community the year round.

The need for a community center has been a need of long-standing
within the City. Some years ago, an attempt to establish a local Young
Men's Christian Association was unsuccessful. To further point out the need,
"The Huddle", a youth center located in the basement of the Central Community
Church and initiated by Rev. Earl O'Neal has outgrown its limited facilities.
Aside from the facilities of the attractive Burgess-Osborne Auditorium, there
are few indoor public facilities for recreational purposes.

49.

The standard of one community center for every 20, 000 people
recommended by the National Recreation Association should be met by
the City of Mattoon. Aside from the indoor recreational facilities needed
by the youth, a community center should be obtained to serve the indoor
recreational needs of all ages, from those of adolescents to senior citizens.
The center should be centrally located within the City.

Anticipated Needs - Two Community Centers or one large center plus
extensive usage of existing school facilities suitable for social and
recreational purposes will be needed to meet the indoor recreation needs
of the anticipated population.

Golf Courses -

The standard of one hole for every three thousand persons seems
to be exceedingly low for Mattoon. Throughout the survey, the need for
public golfing facilities was one of the most often mentioned needs even
though the Mattoon Country Club provides an 11 -hole course. At least a
nine -hole course is needed at present, and serious consideration should
be given to the construction of an eighteen-hole course.

It is recommended that the proposed public golf course be con-
structed either at Lake Mattoon or adjacent to the proposed city-wide
community park in the northern part of the city.

Anticipated Needs - One eighteen-hole golf course or two nine -hole golf
courses will be needed.

50.

Tennis Courts -

According to recommended standards of one tennis court per 2,000
population, Mattoon with thirteen courts more than meets this standard.
The distribution of these facilities is adequate, except for the northern
sector of the city where tennis facilities need to be provided.

Anticipated Needs - A total of eighteen tennis courts will be needed.

Baseball Fields -

The standard of one baseball field for every 6,000 population is
exceedingly low for Mattoon, due to the large number of youths participating
in the junior baseball leagues. Even though, according to these standards
Mattoon has no deficit, it is recommended that additional baseball fields
be established either by the construction of new fields or by using some of
the existing softball fields for the younger league, if at all possible. It is
again evident that the northern section of the City lacks an available baseball
field.

Anticipated Needs - A total of six or more baseball fields will be needed.

Softball Fields -

Mattoon, with 14 softball fields, more than meets the standard
(6 or more) required for adequate softball facilities. As was recommended
in the previous evaluation of baseball fields, it is felt that some of these

51.
Softball fields should be converted for use by the junior baseball league.

if at all feasible.

Anticipated Needs - Softball fields should be provided within each additional
neighborhood park area that has been recommended.

Swimming Pools (Outdoor and Indoor) -

According to recommended standards, outdoor swimming facilities
to serve 3% of the total population at one time should be provided. The
large outdoor pool at Lytle Park adequately meets this standard. Being
located at the western edge of the City, there is a problem of convenience
and accessibility for those citizens residing in the eastern part of the City.

One of the outstanding needs in Mattoon is for an indoor swimming
pool offering year-round swimming facilities. With this need in mind,
plus the inconvenience of present outdoor swimming facilities , it is
recommended that a combination indoor-outdoor pool be constructed within
the new Jefferson Junior High site, and jointly financed by the public school
system and the City. In so doing, swimming instruction could be offered
as part of the curriculum at Jefferson Junior High, and during after- school
hours, the pool could be opened to the public. During the summer months,
the pool could be converted to an outdoor facility by the partial removal of
the ceiling and side -walls.

With the construction of this type of facility, the anticipated indoor
and outdoor swimming needs as well as the present indoor swimming needs
would be met by the construction of one facility.

52.

Wading Pools or Spray Basins -

There are no wading pools or spray basins located in the City, at
present. It is recommended that one spray-type facility be constructed
on each neighborhood park.

Anticipated Needs - One wading pool or spray basin will be needed at each
major park site in each neighborhood.

Art and Craft Rooms -

Although there are no public indoor facilities specifically for arts
and crafts, the public school system has six wood and metal shops located
within Central Junior High, Jefferson Junior High, and Mattoon Community
Senior High. If the use of these shops are available along with additional
rooms within these same buildings, no deficit will exist and needs can be
e asily met.

Anticipated Needs - No deficit is anticipated.

Auditoriums -

Burgess-Osborne Auditorium, the City Hall, and the gymnasiums
within the public schools more than meet the need of space for large group
meetings and dramatics events.

Anticipated Needs - No deficit is anticipated.

53.

Gymnasiums -

The ten public school gymnasiums easily meet the need for
gymnasium facilities within the City.

54.

CHAPTER IV
EXISTING RECREATION PROGRAM SERVICES

The status of recreation program services within the City of Mattoon
was determined by the use of the Program Service and Facility Questionnaire
(note Appendix A) distributed to voluntary agencies, private organizations,
clubs, and church groups within the City. No public tax-supported agencies
providing recreation program services presently exist. Table VII page 56
lists the recreation program services of those groups that returned the
questionnaires.

Public recreation services are being provided to the citizens of
Mattoon on a limited basis. The Mattoon Recreation Board, an unincorporated
organization, has, for the past twenty years, administered and operated
program services through funds provided by the United Fund (formerly Commu-
nity Chest). Being severely hindered by the lack of financial means, the Board
has not been able to provide a basic year-round program of activities. Summer
activities include men's softball league, free swimming program, tennis
instruction, teenage dances, square dances, and baton twirling. Winter
activities include basketball leagues and baton twirling. (Appendix D page
is a copy of the annual statement of activities and finances of the Mattoon
Recreation Board. )

The Central Community Church, under the guidance of Reverend Earl
O'Neal, has since 1956, provided a youth center for the City in the basement
of the church. Membership is open to any youth of high school or college age.

55.
"The Huddle',' as it is known, has facilities for dancing, television viewing,
table tennis, shuffleboard, pool, billiards and numerous table games. A
short order kitchen and soda fountain are located in the club room. "The
Huddle" is open two evenings a week from 7: 00 P. M. to 1 0: 00 P. M. Member-
ship fees (which are extremely low), special projects and donations, are the
only financial sources for the continued operation of the Center. Participation
has been so great that facilities are constantly over-crowded. A total of
15,600 youth attended "The Huddle" in 1958.

The various junior baseball leagues in the City provide an extensive
baseball program for boys ten years of age and older, through the financial

cooperation of service organizations, fraternal organizations, and local
i

commercial sponsors.

Most of the remaining program services within the City are either
limited by a short age-group span, (i.e. , Girl Scouts), specialized interest
offerings, or by selective participation. This is not to state that offerings
of this type are not important or productive. Because of these various
offerings many of the youth and adults of the City have an opportunity to
participate in wholesome recreation activities.

It is evident, however, that because of present insufficient funds for
public recreation purposes, plus the lack of coordinated planning among organi-
zations and agencies, many of the citizens lack the needed opportunity to
participate. Only by means of a public tax-supported recreation authority will
Mattoon be able to satisfy the recreation needs of the overwhelming majority
of its citizens.

56.

TABLE VII

PROGRAM SERVICES OF ORGANIZATIONS, CLUBS,
AND CHURCHES

Name

Cost of Number of

Program Participants

Age Groups
Served

Types of
Program Services

Jaycees

Lions

$3, 000

None

Community $800
Theatre

Recreation
Board

Rotary Club $100

300

None
Recorded

7u0

Boys
Family

Teen-age
Family

All ages

(See Page 89 Appendix D)

None Boys

Recorded

Baseball
Picnics

Dances
Picnics

Amateur Pro-
duction of
plays

Baseball

Demolays None

Elks

Knights of
Columbus

Moose

$1, 000

$2, 500

None

Boy Scouts $7, 000

None
Recorded

Teen-age

None
Recorded

5,800

2,000

3,600
None
Recorded

6-15 Male
9-15 Male &

Female
9-15 Male
All ages

8-12 Male
8-12 Male
8-14 Male
All ages

Adults

Children
8-18 Male

Softball
B owling
Basketball
Dances
Hay Rides

Baseball

Square Dances

Football

Social

Basketball
Baseball
Scouting
Social

Dances

Banquets

Parties

Parties

Scouting

TABLE VII (Continued)

57.

Name

Cost of
Program

Number of
Participants

Age Groups
Served

Types of
Program Services

Country Club

No amount

None

Adults

Golf

listed

Recorded

Social

Golf instruc-
tions

Girl Scouts

No amount
listed

1,200

7-17 Female

Scouting
Camping
Roller Skating
Chorus

Horseshoe

None

None

Adults Male

Horseshoes

Club

Recorded

Family

Picnics

Kennel Club

$1, 855

700

All ages

Dog Shows
Dog Classes

Rainbow

No amount

2, 500

All ages

Square Dances

Riding Club

listed

Horseback
Riding

Rifle and

$Z,400

1,200

8-18 Male & Female Shooting

Pistol Club

18+ Male

Shooting

Tennis Club

No amount

None

All ages

Tennis Play

listed

Recorded

T ournaments
Instruction

Babe Ruth

$2, 100

3, 000

13-15 Male

Baseball

Baseball

Connie Mack

No amount

None

16-19 Male

Baseball

Baseball

listed

Recorded

Little League

$1, 000

None

10-12 Male

Baseball

Baseball

Recorded

Central Community Church

(Note wri

tten report on page

54 .)

East Side

No amount

500

Youth

Fellowship

Baptist
Church

listed

Skating
Hiking

Edgar Avenue No amount
Baptist listed

Church

First Presby- No amount
terian Church listed

200

None
Recorded

Family
Teen-age

Family
Teenage

Picnics
Parties
Skating
Social

Social

B owling

Skating

Scouting

Dances

Basketball

Table Tennis

Shuffleboard

58.

CHAPTER V

SURVEY OF THE RECREATION INTERESTS
OF THE YOUTH AND ADULTS

In following the principle that planning for recreation must be based
upon a knowledge of the needs and resources of the community, it was
imperative that information be gathered relating to the interest needs of
the citizens. The recreation needs and interests of the people are a primary
factor in determining the type of service to be offered.

Although the scope of this survey is not to recommend individual
activities that should be offered, attention was given to general areas of
activities and their relationship to facility needs of the city.

As is stated in Chapter I, two recreation interest questionnaires
were used to secure this information. Samples of the interest questionnaires
used in the survey are located in Appendices B and C. The youth interest
questionnaires were filled out by junior and senior high age youths through
the cooperation of the public and parochial schools. The adult interest ques-
tionnaires were filled out by persons attending various organization meetings;
and by persons employed at the local General Electric, Blaw-Knox, and Brown
Shoe Company plants.

Instructions stated on the questionnaire, although not limiting individual
choice, requested the person filling out the questionnaire to circle the five
activities in which he or she was most interested. Only these five circled
activities were tabulated along with personal information and answers to other
questions that were asked. (Only questionnaires filled out by persons residing

59.

within the corporate limits of Mattoon were tabulated. )

Recreation Interests of the Adults Within Mattoon -

Exactly five-hundred twenty-two adult questionnaires were distributed
to various adults within the community. Characteristics of the adults filling
out the questionnaires along with the results of the adult interest survey are
listed in the following table: (Only the ten most desired activities are listed. )

TABLE VIII
TABULATION SUMMARY OF ADULT INTEREST QUESTIONNAIRES

Characteristics of Respondents -

Age Number of Times Checked

24 and unde r 2 7

25-29 66

30 - 34 ............. 88

35 - 39 108

40 - 44 ... 69

45-49 .............. 36

50-54 29

55 - 59 .... 10

60-64 6

65 and over 2

Not Given 81

522

Sex Number of Times Checked

Male 247

Female , 233

Not Given 42

522

Marital Status Number of Times Checked

Single 48

Married 419

Not Given 55

522

60.

TABLE VIII (Continued)

Number of Respondents' Number of Times Checked

Children

o 7777777.. 46

1 108

2 161

3 99

4 26

5 9

6 and over 5

Not Given 68

Reasons for Non-Participation or Lack of Participation in Recreational
Activities. (Any number could be checked. )

Reasons Number of Times Checked

Not enough leisure time 289

No facilities conveniently available (Parks,

Playgrounds, Gymnasia, etc 60

Leadership not available . 26

Poor health 9

Physical defects due to accident or previous

illne ss 12

Too expensive 77

Domestic Responsibilities 148

The City Has Responsibility For, and Should Provide Recreation Services

Opinions Number of Times Checked

Yes ..... . 286

No. 68

No Opinion ............ 71

Not Given 97

522

The Ten Most Desired Adult Activities

Activity Number of Times Checked

Golf .7777 95~~

Swimming 88

Bowling • 75

Square Dancing 71

Social Dancing , 65

Home Decorating . 56

Fishing 55

Card Playing 47

Riding (Horses) 45

61.

Recreation Interests of the Youth Within Mattoon -

Exactly fourteen hundred fourteen questionnaires were filled out

by youths residing within Mattoon. Characteristics of the youths filling

out the questionnaires along with the results of the youth interest survey

are listed in the following table: (Only the ten most desired activities are

listed. )

TABLE IX
TABULATION SUMMARY OF YOUTH INTEREST QUESTIONNAIRES

Characteristics of Respondents -

Age Number of Times Checked

12 years and under . „ 187

13 251

14 ......... 231

15 279

16 204

17 . .. . 169

18 and over 66

Not Given 27

1,414

Sex Number of Times Checked

Mile . . 744

Female 667

Not Given 3

1,414

The Ten Most Desired Youth Activities

Activity Number of Times Checked

Swimming 449

B oating 3 54

Bowling 309

Tennis 296

Archery 277

Camping . . 230

ice o ica ting ................................ c. ± j

Basketball 197

Diving 184

Baseball 180

62.

The tabulation summary of the adult interest questionnaires points
out specific deficiencies in the public recreational opportunities within Mattoon.
These deficiencies are as follows:

1„ The need is great for a public-owned golf course. (Not enough
of the citizens are served by the Mattoon Country Club's private golfing
facilities. )

2. Due to the great interest expressed in swimming (second most
desirable) as an activity, year-round facilities need to be provided by a
public indoor swimming pool.

3. A public indoor recreation program should be established to
serve the social needs of the adults in the City. (This program would include
social and square dancing, arts and crafts classes, along with numerous
other activities for all ages. )

Reasons for the lack of participation or non-participation in recrea-
tion activities on the part of adults are quite evident and conclusive. Of
this group the two most common reasons were (l) the lack of leisure time and
(2) domestic responsibilities.

The answers to the question concerning the responsibility of the City
to provide recreation services also indicated that the citizens of Mattoon
feel that the provision of recreation services is a public responsibility.
Those voting in the affirmative outnumbered by fifty the combined total of
those indicating a negative opinion, no opinion, and those who did not list
their opinion. Indications point to the successful passage of a referendum
to establish a tax-supported recreation program.

63.
The tabulation summary of the youth interest questionnaires also
points out certain deficiencies in the recreational opportunities within
Mattoon. These deficiencies are as follows:

1. With swimming being the most desired activity among youths,
(and second most desirable among the adults), the need for year-round
swimming facilities are urgently needed.

2. Of the ten most desired activities expressed by the youth of
Mattoon, the lake areas outside the corporate limits could provide facilities
for at least four of these; swimming, boating, camping, and diving; the
only problem being convenience and accessibility.

It is recommended that a supervised day and over -night camp be
established at Lake Mattoon offering facilities for these four activities along
with various others such as nature trails, hiking, archery, etc. This would
necessitate furnished transportation by public-owned vehicles between the
city and Lake Mattoon during the summer months.

3. An evident winter-season need is the availability of ice-skating
facilities. At the present time there is no existing area that could feasibly
be flooded. Such an area should be constructed within or adjacent to one of
the larger parks; or within the recommended combination community-city-
wide park in or near the northern section of the city.

(The remaining most desired activities are ones in which existing
facilities, along with the existing programs, are able to meet the present
needs. )

64.
General Program Needs -

The first part of this chapter has described the results of the
recreation interest survey that was undertaken in the City. It has provided
an insight into the present specific activity and program needs of Mattoon
citizens. Aside from these specific needs that were indicated by the survey,
a year-round well-balanced, program of activities should be provided in
any city. This program should provide a wide range of activities for all
ages and both sexes.

Individuals participate in recreation activities because they seek
pleasureand satisfaction. There is no compulsion from without; the
motivation comes from within each individual. An individual's pleasure and
satisfaction usually accompanies a degree of mastery of a certain activity
or activities. Therefore, a successful program must offer recreational
opportunity for all ages to participate in activities which offer the best
opportunities for personal success, and at the same time provide opportunities
for individuals to experience and participate in new activities.

Recreational activities can be divided into seven general categories,
sports and athletics , dancing, social activities , dramatics, music, arts and
crafts, and nature activities. If a recreation program is planned to serve
the needs of all, an adequate number of activities within each general category
must be provided on a year-round basis.

The following evaluation of the quantity of program services in Mattoon
is based upon the seven general activity categories.

65.
Sports and Athletics -

Although this activity area offers more participation opportunities
than do any of the others, deficiencies exist in the scope of activities that
are being offered. Public facilities and programs for the following activities
should be established; archery, badminton, golf, handball, ice skating,
soccer, touch football, and volleyball.

Dancing -

This activity area is especially limited in the City, For those who
are not members of some organization, club, or group, few opportunities
exist. Public indoor facilities and programs should offer opportunities for
all ages to participate in social, square, and folk dancing activities.

Social Activities -

Opportunities for social activities in Mattoon are not as limited as
are other activity areas. Organizations, clubs, groups, and the schools
offer some opportunities for social activities. The outstanding need in this
activity area is for public facilities (a community center) established to
offer social activities for all ages. Specific program needs for a youth
program and a program for senior citizens should be met.

Dramatics -

The Community Theatre Group is presently offering public opportunities
for individuals to participate in dramatics. The opportunities offered by

66.
this group should be further publicized and encouraged along with dramatics
offerings in the schools.

Music -

Organized musical participating opportunities are offered in the
public schools. These offerings exist only for the youth of the City. Both
vocal and instrumental program opportunities should be offered to the public.

Arts and Crafts -

The facility needs for this activity area can presently be met by
public school facilities. However, no public program exists. A supervised
program of arts and crafts should be established. Particular emphasis
should be placed upon adult participation in using the existing facilities that
are available in the public schools.

Nature Activities -

The only existing nature program offerings are being provided by the
Boy and Girl Scouts* A public camping and hiking area, including nature
trails should be established at either Lake Mattoon or Lake Paradise. (This
should also include an area and facilities for family camping.) As previously
recommended in the first part of this chapter, day-camping and over-night
camping should be made a part of a public recreation program.

It was not the intention or scope of this survey to evaluate the quality
of existing program services in Mattoon. The valuable services that these

67.
existing programs are providing cannot and should not be underestimated.
It is evident, however, that adequate program services are not being
provided, and cannot be provided until a public, tax-supported authority-
is established for the purpose of providing recreational facilities and
programs for all citizens. Until the time when a public managing authority
for recreation is established, recreation opportunities in Mattoon will be
deficient and inadequate. Voluntary and private organizations cannot and
should not be expected to shoulder the responsibility of providing an adequate
range of public recreation services. They have neither the financial means
nor the necessary governmental powers that are essential in this endeavor.

68.
CHAPTER VI
SUMMARY OF CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The previous chapters have included a detailed description and
evaluation of existing park areas, recreation facilities and programs within
Mattoon, including recommendations for meeting deficiencies in each. The
following conclusions summarize the status of recreation opportunities
within the City; the recommendations listed after the conclusions summarize
the necessary action that should be undertaken to resolve the deficiencies.
It is emphasized that the recommendations provide for an ultimate population
of 35,000 persons.

Conclusion 1 -

Provision of recreation opportunities are deficient in Mattoon because
no central authority has the responsibility or the financial means to provide
a well-balanced, year-round recreation program for all its citizens.

Recommendation 1 -

A. A tax-supported public recreation authority should be established
by referendum under the Public Playground and Recreation Center Law of
1921, as amended, to provide adequate recreation facilities and programs
for all citizens. (A general description of this law is given in Appendix E. )

B. Upon successful passage of the referendum, it is recommended
that the legal authority for recreation be vested through ordinance in the

69.
existing Mattoon Park Board, which thereafter should be known as the
Mattoon Recreation and Park Board. (A sample ordinance is given in
Appendix F. )

C. The new Mattoon Recreation and Park Board should operate
according to generally accepted standards for the management and operation
of such authorities. (A description of these standards is given in Appendix G. )

Planning
Conclusion 2 -

Cooperative planning for recreation among existing organizations,
agencies, clubs, and churches is extremely lacking in the City.

Recommendation 2 -

A. The proposed Mattoon Recreation and Park Board along with
the Mattoon Planning Commission, the Board of Education and the Mattoon
Township Park Board should meet periodically to plan jointly for coordi-
nation of their efforts, and should pool their resources to the full use of
all existing and potential public assets.

B. All organizations, agencies, and clubs within Mattoon, which
have as a major function the provision of recreation and leisure-time
services, should periodically meet and jointly coordinate their efforts for
the full use of all existing and potential assets. This cooperation should
extend to the mobilization, pooling, and use of all available resources.

70.
C. Organized recreation must receive general support from the
adults of the community if it is to succeed. If individual citizens do not
realize the value of organized recreation for themselves, as well as for
the youth, the success of recreation in the City will be greatly impaired.
In order to provide this needed public support, and to assist in planning
to meet program and facilities needs, it is recommended that adult clubs
be formed for each neighborhood park, and that the Parent-Teachers
Association, along with other groups, work directly with recreation
leaders.

Finance
Conclusion 3 -

At the present time there is a deficiency in funds available to ade-
quately finance public recreation programs and services in Mattoon.

Recommendation 3 -

A. The referendum to create a public recreation authority for the
City should stipulate that . 0667 % (2/3 mill) be levied to financially support
public recreation in Mattoon. This levy would yield approximately thirty
thousand dollars for public recreation. With the approximate amount of
twenty-four thousand dollars yielded by the present City Park levy, these
combined amounts would provide adequate tax funds for the operation of
recreation and parks in Mattoon.

71.

B. Tax funds should be supplemented by revenue derived from

the levying of fees and charges for special programs and for the use of
certain facilities. The average amount of revenue obtained through fees
and charges by Illinois recreation and park agencies is fifteen per cent
of the total operating budget. It is generally accepted as sound fiscal
policy that revenue from this source may comprise as much as twenty-five
per cent of the total operating budget,

C. Funds for capital improvements, including land acquisition,
buildings, and other major improvements should be financed by bond issues
as provided in the statutes and by public subscriptions. Such expenditures
cannot normally be met from tax funds levied for operating purposes.

Personnel
Conclusion 4 -

Professionally trained leadership is needed in the administration
of public recreation and parks in Mattoon.

Recommendation 4 -

A. A Superintendent of Recreation and Parks should be employed in
accordance with the job description in Appendix H.

B, The salary range for the position of Superintendent of Recreation
and Parks should be from $6, 500 to $8, 000,

72.
Areas and Facilities
Conclusion 5 -

Existing recreation areas and facilities within Mattoon, and vicinity,
are inadequate to meet present and anticipated needs.

Recommendation 5 -

A. Additional acreage and facilities are needed for neighborhood
park and playlot purposes in the following neighborhood study areas.

Neighborhood Study Area No. 1 -

(la) A minimum of three acres should be obtained within
present corporate limits north of Shelby Street, east of 33rd
Street and west of 28th Street, to be landscaped and developed
as a neighborhood park.

(lb) The existing area formed by the combined facilities
of Bennett Elementary School and Lytle Park should be further
landscaped and developed as a neighborhood park- school area,
furnishing indoor as well as outdoor facilities.

Neighborhood Study Area No. 2 -

(2a) A minimum of one additional acre should be obtained
adjacent to the present Hawthorne Elementary School site.

(2b) The existing site and the recommended additional acreage
should be further landscaped and developed as a neighborhood park.

73.
Neighborhood Study Area No. 3 -

(3a) A minimum of three acres should be obtained
within or adjacent to present corporate limits north of Piatt
Street, east of 14th Street and west of 9th Street, to be land-
scaped and developed as a neighborhood park0

(3b) The existing area formed by the combined facilities
of Washington Elementary School and Allison-Cunningham Park
should be further landscaped and developed as a neighborhood
park-school area, furnishing indoor as well as outdoor facilities.

Neighborhood Study Area No. 4 -

(4a) A minimum of one and one-half acres should be
obtained adjacent to the present Grant Park Elementary School
site.

(4b) The existing site and the recommended additional
acreage should be further landscaped and developed as a
neighborhood park0

Neighborhood Study Area No. 5 -

(5a) A minimum of three acres should be obtained within
or adjacent to present corporate limits near the Willow Drive
Area, to be landscaped and developed as a neighborhood park.

(5b) The existing area formed by the combined facilities
of Columbian Elementary School and Kinzel Park should be further

74.
landscaped and developed as a neighborhood park-school area,

furnishing indoor as well as outdoor facilities.

Neighborhood Study Area No. 6 -

(6a) The existing Lowell Elementary School site should
be further landscaped and developed to provide playlot facilities.

Neighborhood Study Area No. 7 -

(7a) A minimum of three acres should be obtained near
the Crestview Subdivision to be landscaped and developed as a
neighborhood park.

Neighborhood Study Area No, 8 -

(8a) A minimum of three acres should be obtained near
the southern extreme of 15th Street to be landscaped and
developed as a neighborhood park.

(8b) A minimum of one and one-half acres should be
obtained adjacent to the present Lincoln Elementary School site.

(8c) The existing Lincoln Elementary School site and
the recommended additional acreage should be further landscaped
and developed as a neighborhood park.

Neighborhood Study Area No, 9 -

(9a) A minimum of three acres should be obtained near the

75.
extreme southeastern corporate limits to be landscaped and
developed as a neighborhood park.

(9b) The development of the new Jefferson Junior High -
Franklin Elementary School site should include neighborhood
park facilities.

Other Study Areas -

(a) Consideration should be given to obtaining a minimum
of three acres in a centrally located area within the new sub-
divisions off Western Avenue.

B. Additional acreage and facilities are needed for community and
city-wide purposes in the following locations.

(1) A minimum of thirty acres should be obtained within
or adjacent to the northern sector of Neighborhood Study Area

No. 2 to be landscaped and developed as a combination community,
city-wide park.

(2) The present lake sites should be further landscaped
and developed to offer more regional and city-wide public
facilities. All areas within both lake sites that are presently
developed, or could be developed for recreational purposes
should be placed under the jurisdiction of the proposed Mattoon
Recreation and Park Board.

C. Additional special facilities are needed to meet the present and
anticipated needs of the City,

76.

(1) A centrally located building, to be used as a
community center, should be constructed or purchased,

(2) Land should be obtained either adjacent to the
recommended community, city-wide park, or at the Lake
Mattoon site, for the purpose of developing a public nine-
hole golf course. Sufficient acreage adjacent to this nine-hole
course should be obtained on which to develop an additional
nine holes whenever desired,

(3) Tennis facilities should be provided within the
recommended community, city-wide park in the northern
sector of the City.

(4) A baseball diamond should be provided within the
recommended community, city-wide park in the northern
sector of the City.

(5) A combination indoor and outdoor swimming pool
should be constructed adjacent to the Jefferson Junior High
building to serve both the school and the public needs, (its
construction should be jointly financed by the City and Public
School District No. 2. )

(6) Spray basin facilities should be provided within
each neighborhood park site.

(7) An area within the recommended community, city-
wide park should be developed to offer ice-skating facilities
whenever possible during the winter.

77.
(8) An area should be set aside at either lake site to
provide day-camping, over-night camping, and family camping
facilities.

Program
Conclusion No. 6 -

Existing recreation program services within Mattoon, and vicinity,
are inadequate to meet present and anticipated needs.

Recommendation No. 6 -

A. Under the authority of the proposed Mattoon Recreation and

Park Board, and through its superintendent, a year-round recreation program
for all ages should be established, providing a wide range of program offer-
ings in the following categories: sports and athletics, dancing, social
activities, dramatics, music, arts and crafts, and nature activities.

B. As shown by the results of the recreation interest survey, special
priority should be given to the provision of the following program opportuni-
ties: golf, swimming and diving, square and social dancing, boating, camping,
tennis, archery, and ice-skating.

C. Special consideration should be given to the provision of program
opportunities for persons over sixty years of age. It is recommended that

a senior citizen's club, under the sponsorship of the Recreation and Park
Department be established.

78.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

California Committee on Planning for Recreation Park Areas and Facilities,
Guide for Planning Recreation Parks in California. Sacramento,
California, 1956.

Mattoon Association of Commerce, Survey of Mattoon, Illinois, Mattoon,
1958.

Mears, Robert C. , "An Analytical Survey of the Recreation Interests and
Habits of the Youth and Adults of Urbana, Ilinois, and General
Proposals for Improving the Civic Recreation Program." Unpub -
lished Master's Thesis , University of Illinois , Urbana, 1951.

Metropolitan Planners, Inc. , A Master Plan for Mattoon. Mattoon Planning
Commission, Mattoon, Illinois, Revised April 1957.

Meyer, Harold D, and Brightbill, Charles K. , Recreation Administration.
Prentice-Hall, Inc., Englewood Cliffs , New Jersey, 1956.

National Recreation Association, Personnel Standards in Community
Recreation Leadership, New York, 1957.

National Recreation Association, Standards for Neighborhood Recreation
Areas and Facilities, New York, 1944.

Sapora, Allen V„ , A Recreation Survey of the Rockford Park District.
Board of Park Commissioners, Rockford, Illinois, 1952.

Schmidt, Nicholas J. , "A Geographical Survey of Mattoon, Illinois",

Unpublished Master's Thesis, University of Illinois , Urbana, 1958.

Schultz, Arthur, and Others, Principles for Chicago's Comprehensive
Recreation Plan. Chicago Recreation Commission, 1952.

Scruggs and Hamond, A Master Plan for the Carlinville Park District.
Board of Park Commissioners, Carlinville, Illinois, 1953.

Sessoms, Hanson D. , A Glossary of Public Recreation Terms. North

Carolina Recreation Commission, Raleigh, North Carolina , 1956.

Stapay, Daniel R. , "A Recreation Survey of Charleston, Illinois, and

Vicinity," Unpublished Master ' s Thesis, University of Illinois ,
Urbana, 1958.

79.

Summers, Alex, Mr. Mattoon's City, National Bank of Mattoon, Mattoon,
Illinois, 1955.

The Athletic Institute, Essentials for Developing Community Recreation,
Chicago, Illinois, 1953.

The Athletic Institute, Recreation for Community Living, Chicago, 1952.

U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Bureau of Census, U.S. Census of
Population- 1950, Vol. II, Characteristics of the Population,
Part III Illinois, Chapter B, U.S. Government Printing Office,
Washington, D. C. , 1952.

80.

APPENDIX A
PROGRAM SERVICE AND FACILITY QUESTIONNAIRE
$ * * * * * * * * * * * *

1. Official name of organization

2„ Local address Phone

3. Name of executive officer Title

4. What year was the organization established in Mattoon?

5. Is your organization incorporated? Yes No _

6. What are the qualifications necessary for membership?

(Age, sex, specific characteristics, etc.)

7. What are the general stated purposes of your organization?
(Attach written copies, if available)

8. What is the general nature of services rendered?

(Educational, recreational, religious, social, etc.)

9. Are these services available to members only? Yes No

10. What were the specific sources of your income in 1958?

81

11. What was the total budget and the total expenditures of your organiza-
tion for recreation and leisure time programs during 1958?

Total budget Total expenditures

12. What, if any, is the schedule of fees, charges, dues (participation
or affiliation) or assessments for the various recreation and leisure
time activities and services offered by your agency?

13. Does your organization register program participants?

Yes __No

14. What was the total recorded attendance in all recreation and leisure
time activities conducted by your organization in 1958? (If attendance
was not kept, please estimate).

Type of Total Age Group(s) Sex

Service or Attendance Served

Activit

y

15. What special programs of a recreational nature were offered the follow-
groups by your organization?
(a) Persons over 60 years of age?

(b) Family groups?

(c) Teenage groups?

(d) Other special groups?

82.

16. Are all recreation or leisure time activities sponsored by your organiza-
tion conducted on or in organization-owned property? Yes No

(a) If no, what facilities not owned or controlled by your
organization are utilized to conduct these programs?

Activity Facility Used Agency Controlling the Facility

17. Please list all those areas and facilities that are owned or controlled
by your organization. (Indoor and outdoor, dimensions, of, present
type of use, or uses, equipment, etc.

Area Dimension Present type Special

or (in feet) and/or of use or uses equipment

Facility seating capacity in or on

18. To what extent does your organization participate in coordinated
planning with other agencies or groups in the community?

83.

19. Do you feel there is a need to improve present methods of coordinating
recreation programs and services offered by organizations and agencies
in the City of Mattoon?

Yes No

(a) If yes, how do you feel this could be best accomplished?

20. What neighborhoods in the City of Mattoon, in your opinion, are most
in need of additional recreation and leisure time programs and
services? (Please explain)

21. What additional comments would you wish to make regarding recreation
in the City of Mattoon?

(Use back of sheet, if necessary).

If you desire that any of this information be kept confidential, please

indicate.

APPENDIX B

ADULT INTEREST QUESTIONNAIRE

84.

Address

Marital Status S

Age

Sex M

M

Number of Children

-i- i» -i* i*

, St «JU »U *•-• •"*« «.'.. «Jt« *.l* «.'.« il* O* »l* & Sr O;

, ;,t «jc 5gc -y* *!■■ 'i* '!■* *e rf *v i* *t* "i* *v <

Instructions for Filling Out Check-List

1. Place an (X) in Column 1 after the activities in which you now participate,

2. Place an (X) in Column 2 after the activities you want to participate
in (or would participate in more) if given the opportunity.

Part I - Athletics

Part II - Dramatics

1 2

1.

Archery

2.

Badminton

3.

Bait or Fly Casting

4.

Baseball

5.

Basketball

6.

Bicycling

7.

B oating

8.

Bowling

9.

Diving

10.

Fencing

11.

Golf

12.

Handball

13.

Horseshoes

14.

Ice Skating

15.

Pool or Billiards

16.

Riding (Horses)

17.

Roller Skating

18.

Shuffleboard

19.

Skeet Shooting

20.

Softball

21.

Swimming

22.

Table Tennis

23.

Tennis

24.

Touch Football

25.

Volleyball

26.

Others (List)

27.

28.

29.

30.
31.
32,
33.
34.
35.
36.

37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.

4 3.
44.
45,
46.
47.

1

2

Minstrel Shows

Pageants

Plays

Puppetry

Skits

Story Telling

Others (List)

Part III - Dancing

1

2

Folk

Square

Social

Tap

Others (List)

Part IV - Arts and Crafts

1

2

Ceramics

Cooking

Knitting

Leather Craft

Wood Working

(Continue on next page)

85.

48.
49,
50.
51.
52.
53.
54,
55.
56.

57.
58.
59.
60.
61.

Part IV - Arts and Crafts
(Continued)

Part VI - Nature Activities

1 2

Metal Working

Millinery-

Sewing

Weaving

Pottery-

Home Decorating

Others (List)

Part V - Music

1 2

Instrumental

Vocal

Others (List)

62.
63.
64,
65.
66.
67.
68.
69,
70.
71.
72.
73.
74.
75.

1 2

Astronomy

Bird Study

Camping

Fishing

Gardening

Flowers

Geology

Hiking

Hunting

Indian Lore

Picnicking

Others (List)

Part VII - Social Activities

76.
77.
78.
79.
80.

1

2

Card Playing

Table Games

Others (List)

Note - Go back over the questionnaire and circle the checks of the top
five activities in which you are most interested in participating.
(Column 2)

If you DO NOT participate in recreational activities, or only
participate to a very limited extent, which of the below mentioned
reasons comes the nearest to describing why you don't participate
more? (Check as many reasons as applicable).

a. Not enough leisure time.
~b. No facilities conveniently available (Parks, Playgrounds,

Gymnasia, etc.)
c. Leadership not available.

d. Poor health.

"e. Physical defects due to accident or previous illness.

f, Too expensive.

g. Domestic responsibilities.

If there are other reasons, not listed above, please give them
here: .

86.

Do you think that the city government has responsibility for,
and should provide recreation services?

Yes No No opinion

Please list below or on the back of this page any additional
comments which you might have.

APPENDIX C

YOUTH INTEREST QUESTIONNAIRE

$ >;< * * * * * * * ** * * * * * *

Name

Address

Age

Sex M

Do you live within the city limits of Mattoon? Yes_

No

ifi ?,£ 3Ji 5,i 5,C 5,C ?,i 5,i *,' ?,C ?,£ 5(% <-,» *t* *y. *e

87.

Instructions for Filling Out Check-List

1. Place an (X) in Column 1 after the activities in which you now participate.

2. Place an (X) in Column 2 after the activities you want to participate in
(or would participate in more) if given the opportunity.

Part I - Athletics

1.
2.

3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

8- 2

9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
1

19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28

Archery

Badminton

Baseball

Basketball

Boating

Boxing

Bowling

lvin

S_

Fencing

Golf

Gymnastics

Handball

Horseshoes

Ice Skating

Pool or Billiards

Shuffleboard

Roller Skating

8. Soccer

Softball

Swimming

Table Tennis

Tennis

Touch Football

Volleyball

Wrestling

Others (List)

Part II - Dancing

1

2

29,

Folk

30.

Square

31.

Modern (Interpretive)

32,

Social

33.

Tap

34.

Others (List)

35.

36.

Part III - Social Activities

1

2

37.

Card Playing

38.

Table Games

39.

Others (List)

40.

Part IV - Dramatics

1

2

41,

Plays

42.

Pageants

43.

Storytelling

44.

Puppetry

45.

Others (List)

46.

47.

48.
49.

88.
Part V - Music Part VI1 " Nature Activities

Instrumental 6?- Astronomy

Vocal 68- Forestry

50. Others (List) 69. Geology

51 " 70. Bird Study

52. 71. Hiking

72. Camping

Part VI - Arts and Crafts 73. Indian Lore

74. Scouting (Girl h Boy)

7 5. Others (List)

53. Leathercraft ?6-

54. Weaving

55. Wood Working

56. Metal Working

57. Painting

58. Sewing

59. Cooking

60. Millinery

6l. Ceramics

62. Home Decorating

63. Mechanics

64. Others (List)

65.

66.

Note - Go back over the questionnaire and circle the checks of the top
five activities in which you are most interested in participating.
(Column 2)

89.
APPENDIX D

FINAL REPORT

SUMMER RECREATION PROGRAM

19 58

Compiled by Chester Quinn

Activities: Men's Softball League

Free Swimming Program
Tennis Instruction
Teen-age dancing
Square dancing
Baton Twirling

MEN'S SOFTBALL LEAGUE

No. of teams: 1 0

No. of players: 150

No. of games played by all teams: 54

Season started June 4 and ended August 14

One round robin and a single elimination tourney with all ten teams participating

was the program.
Games were played on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings.

Expenses: Director's salary: $230.00

Umpire Expense: 280. 00

Set of bases: 18.49

Score books: 1. 50

3 trophies: 25. 00

TOTAL GROSS EXPENSES: 554. 99

Income: 7 teams @ 25. 00- 175.

3 teams @ 15. 00: 45.

$220. 00

Net Expense to Rec. Board: $334.99

FREE SWIMMING PROGRAM

90.

Place: Lytle Park Pool

Time: Six Monday sessions -- 1-9 p.m.
June 16 to July 28

Those eligible: Those who were in grades 3-8 the past school year,

ATTENDANCE-

Swim no.

1

831

no.

2

561

no.

3

1042

no.

4

108

no.

5

765

no.

6

380

Totals:

3687: for six sessions

EXPENSES:

Lytle Park Rental fees:
Printing - tickets:

$300. 00
28. 18

Total expense $328.1!

Average cost per swimmer: $ . 08

91.

TENNIS INSTRUCTION

Place: Lawson Park Tennis Courts
Instructor: Mrs, K. C. Carlyle

Aids: Paul Carman, Micky Zike, Rod Carlyle, and other
players with advanced ability.

Time: Tuesday and Thursday. 9-12 A.M. - 12 sessions.

No. of participants: 85 (20 boys - 65 girls)

Average daily attendance: 45
Ages of those in attendance: 8-14

The Program:

Students were divided into small groups after the first two sessions. Each
group was allotted 45 minutes.

Instruction was given in the basic tennis strokes, serving, and learning how
to keep score.

Attendance was held down at some sessions because of the weather and the
presence of players at various summer camps.

Enthusiasm of those who participated was excellent.

EXPENSE: SALARIES: $75.00 (Mrs. Carlyle 50. 00 - Carman 25. 00)

Tennis balls: 9. 64

$84. 64

92,

TEEN-AGE DANCES AND SQUARE DANCES

Director of both dances: Emory and Mrs. Homann

Cost of dances: $100.00 - Homann's salary

50.00 - Police at teen-age dances
$150. 00

Teen-age dances:

No. Held: 8

Date held: Tuesday

Time: 7:30-9:45

Average attendance: 400 (est)

Highest attendance: 800 (est)

Ages: Boys and girls whose ages ranged from 6-21

Square dances:

No. held: 6

Date held: Thursday - Time: 7:30-9:45

Average attendance: 60

93.

BATON TWIRLING

Director: Obed Henderson

Times: Tuesday (Lawson) and Thursday (Lytle) 1 -3 p.m.

No. of sessions: 14

No. of participants: 285

Average attendance at each session: 100

Cost of program: $100.00 (director's salary)

Average of students: 4-14 years.

The Program:

Students were divided into experience groups and were given 30
minutes of instruction.

Each group averaged about 12 students.

Older experienced twirlers helped the beginners.

An exhibition was held at Peterson which featured all levels of
instruction. About 80 took part in front of a nice crowd.

SUMMARY

TIMES

ACTIVITY

EXPENDITURES

MET

PARTICIPANTS

Men's Softball

334.99

54

160

Swimming

328, 18

6

1050

Tennis

84. 64

12

85

Teen-dances

100. 00

8

500

Square -dance s

50. 00

6

70

Baton Twirling

100. 00

14

285

$997. 81

100

2170

Co-ordina tor's

sal'

y

500. 00

Miscellaneous exp.

69. 00

$1566.81

Cost of summer

program

94.

Activity

Men's Basketball
Church Basketball
5 & 6 B. B.
Baton Twirling

Fi nal Report
Winter Program
Mattoon Recreation Board
1959

Gross

Net

Sessions

Pa:

rti

cipants

Expense

Expense

No.

A

ggregate

14

44

312

574

267

10

72

560

415

275

8

85

640

160

160

_6

100

432

50

50

38

301

1944

$1199

$752

$752; Net Cost of winter program
250: Co-ordinator ' s salary and expense
19, 89: Expense for Jl. Gazette Advertising
$1019,89: Total cost of winter program

95.

1958

Activity

Mattoon City Recreation Board

Expenditures Participants 1959 Budget

Winter Programs
Men's Basketball League
Church (Youth) B.B. League
5 & 6 Boys Sat. A.M.
Girls Baton Twirling
Wi nter totals:

Summer Programs
Co-ordinator ' s salary
Girls Baton Twirling
Boys & Girls Tennis
Free Swimming (Grades 3-8)
Men's Softball League
Teen-Age Dances
Square Dances
Miscellaneous Expenses
Summer totals:

Other Expenses
Grant to J. C. League:
Grant to Little League:
Grant to Babe Ruth League:
Total

Secretary's Supplies & Salary

EXPENSE: Totals:

PARTICIPATION:

$286. 12

333. 00

150,85

50. 00

$819.97

95

65

85

100

34 5

500. 00

100. 00

287

59. 64

80

328. 18

1050

336.92

100

50. 00

400

50. 00

70

69. 00

1493. 74

1987

100. 00

100. 00

100. 00

$300. 00

50. 00

$819.97 - Winter Program

1493. 74 - Summer Program

300. 00 - Grants to Leagues

50. 00 - Secretarial Expense

$2663. 71

345 - Winter Program
1987 - Summer Program
2332 - TOTAL

Cost per participant: $L 10

96.

APPENDIX E

Simplified Narrative Form of the PUBLIC PLAYGROUNDS AND
RECREATION CENTERS LAW OF 1921, As Amended

Legal authority is a necessity before any public tax-supported pro-
gram can be initiated. Only through our governmental structure can
authority be delegated to a locality for purposes of providing public services
from the collection of tax monies. This authority is the basis for all public
tax-supported services, and provides the needed protection and opportunity
for its citizens to determine democratically the extent of their own services.

The State of Illinois has realized the need for, and has made legal
provisions for, public organization for recreation as a unique and distinct
area of community life. Within the State's jurisdiction, all communities
have the opportunity to operate a tax-supported type of recreation and park
service that best fits their individual needs. The Public Playgrounds and
Recreation Centers Law of 1921, as amended is one such example. This law
provides the legal authorization for any city, town, or village, with a popula-
tion of less than 150, 000, to establish and maintain a public recreation system,
including playgrounds, recreation centers, and swimming pools. (This law,
however, does not give legal authority to a township, or any other type of
special district. )

Under this act, a municipality may make use of any lands or buildings
which are owned or leased by the municipality (if in keeping with the devoted
purpose of each); acquire or lease additional land or buildings; and provide
for the maintenance and equipment of these areas and facilities from general
municipal funds, (The city has the authority to purchase or lease any areas

97.
or facilities within its financial ability, and to provide for their improvement
and upkeep. ) Authority is also vested in the Board to employ personnel
which it deems necessary to administer and carry out its responsibilities.

In order for a municipality to adopt this act, a petition must be
circulated and signed by at least 10% of the electors, and submitted to the
city clerk at least 30 days prior to a general or special municipal election.
The petition shall designate the minimum tax rate that is desired. (This
minimum rate must be under the specified maximum rate of 2/3 mill. )

Upon receiving a favorable majority of votes at the specified election,
the corporate authorities are thereafter required to levy and collect at least
but not more than a tax of the amount listed on the specified petition. The
corporate authorities also have the responsibility of naming or establishing
a managing authority which may be vested in a school board, park board,
or other existing bodies; or a playground or recreation board may be appointed.
If a separate board is appointed, it can be made up of three members, appoint-
ed for three year annual staggered terms, or five members appointed for
five year annual staggered terms. The board members receive no
remuneration.

Any two or more cities, towns, or villages can jointly establish and
maintain a recreation system under this law. Also, a recreation system
may be conducted and maintained jointly by a school board or a park board
in conjunction with the municipality.

Any managing authority which has been established under this act may
accept any donations of real estate or money. However, in cases where the

98.

acceptance of property subjects the municipality to added expense for
improvements or maintenance, the acceptance of the property must be
approved by the municipal authorities.

At such times when further finances are needed for the purpose of
acquiring land, buildings, or equipment, bonds of the municipality may be
issued subject to the approval of the electors by referendum.

(This is only a general description of the provisions of the Public
Playground and Recreation Centers Law of 1921 as amended, No action
should be taken to implement this act without direct reference to the
statutes. A full legal description of the Act may be found in the Illinois
Revised Statutes - Cities and Villages Act - Chapter 4 - Article 57 -
Sections 1-10. )

99.
APPENDIX F
SAMPLE RECREATION ORDINANCE
Introduction -

The adoption of a city recreation ordinance is a necessity in order
to define the organization, powers, duties, and responsibilities of the
group selected to manage the public recreation system. These laws are
enacted by the local governing authority and usually take the form of an
ordinance. In all instances, these local laws must conform to that which
is authorized by the state laws. The local ordinance is more explicit in
detail where the state law was more general.

Included is a sample ordinance which could be adopted by the City
of Mattoon,

5p 2fi ;,C 2t< 5,C 2fi *fi

ORDINANCE NO

AN ORDINANCE CREATING A RECREATION DEPARTMENT

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY OF MATTOON, COLES COUNTY, ILLINOIS:

Section 1. Department Established - Pursuant to the referendum held
in accordance with the statutes of the State of Illinois on the question of estab-
lishment, conduct, and maintenance of a recreation program in the City of
Mattoon and a tax therefore which carried, there is hereby established a
Recreation Department in the City of Mattoon. The Managing Authority shall
be vested in the existing Mattoon Park Board which shall hereafter be known
as the Mattoon Recreation and Park Board. The Board shall have all the
powers granted and shall be subject to all the obligations imposed by an act
of the General Assembly of the state entitled "An Act to provide for the acquisi-
tion, equipment, conduct and maintenance of public playgrounds and
recreation centers in and by cities, towns and villages of less than one hun-
dred fifty thousand inhabitants" approved June 24, 1921, and all amendments
thereto, heretofore and hereafter made.

100.

Section 2. Powers and Duties - Pursuant to the statutes of the
State of Illinois, the Board through its Superintendent shall accomplish
among other things, the following:

a. Provide a staff of employees trained in public recreation and
leisure time activities for men, women, young people and children in all
walks of life,

b. Conduct a recreation program making use of the physical
properties available in the community and surrounding territory.

c. Offer leadership in coordinating and correlating all those activi-
ties of a similar nature in the community to obtain maximum benefits for
the citizens of Mattoon.

d. Build the public recreation program into and about the public
schools and public parks and identify it with all public and private organiza-
tions having to do with public welfare, education, family relations, and
juvenile delinquency,,

e. Focus public attention constantly on the need of adequate provision
for year-round, healthful supervised recreation for all through a constant
public relations program,

f. Solicit or receive any gifts or bequests of money or other per-
sonal property or any donations to be applied, principal or income, for
either recreational services or facilities.

g. Levy fees and charges which it deems applicable in providing
recreational services or facilities.

h. Jointly cooperate with other municipal departments and or poli-
tical subdivisions to provide and establish, operate, conduct, and maintain
a supervised recreation system and to acquire, operate, improve, and
maintain property, both real and personal, for parks, playgrounds,
recreation centers, and other recreation facilities and activities.

Section 4. Personnel - The Board shall have the power to appoint
a Superintendent who is trained and properly qualified for the work and upon
the recommendation of the Superintendent such other personnel as may be
required.

Section 5. Separability - If a section or part of this ordinance shall
be declared invalid, this shall not affect the validity of any remaining sections
or parts of this ordinance,,

101,

Section 6. Effective Date - This ordinance shall be in full force and
effect from and after its passage and approval as required by law.

PASSED AND APPROVED THIS

DAY OF

19

AYES

NAYS

ABSENT

ATTEST:

Mayor, City of Mattoon

City Clerk

102.

APPENDIX G

PUBLIC RECREATION AND PARK BOARD

The members appointed to the Mattoon Recreation and Park Board
should have a sincere interest in parks and recreation and sufficient time
to devote to the required duties. The following information is suggested
as a guide or checklist for their responsibilities:

Procedure

1. Adopts by-laws governing the organization of the Board and the
calling and conduct of its meetings.

2. Elects officers annually as prescribed in the by-laws.

3. Provides for appointment by the chairman of standing committees
on all major continuing functions such as finance, personnel,
buildings and grounds, and program.

4. Restricts committee action to the making of recommendations
and the performing of duties specifically authorized by the

B oard.

Meetings

5. Holds regular meetings that are open to the public, at least
monthly.

6. Provides for notices of all meetings to be sent to Board members.

7. Requires a quorum for formal official actions.

8. Keeps a complete record of all Board meetings.

9. Minutes of each meeting are submitted to Board members before
the next meeting and are formally approved by the Board at the
next regular meeting.

10. Conducts its meetings in accordance with procedure prescribed

in the by-laws and reaches a decision only after full consideration
and debate on the issues in question.

Finances

11. Adopts specific procedure for the efficient handling, spending,
and accounting of Board funds.

12. Requires and reviews each month a written financial statement
of appropriations, expenditures, and balances.

13. Well in advance of the date when budgets must be submitted to

the governing body, analyzes the financial needs of the department
and then adopts and submits a budget request for the department.

14. Interprets to the individual members of the city governing body
and to the body as a whole the needs of the department as
indicated in the budget requested.

103.
Relation to Superintendent

15. Selects and employs the best Superintendent available in
accordance with state and national recommended standards.

16. Requires the Superintendent to submit a written monthly
report.

17. Adopts a policy that individual Board members shall not
give instructions to the Superintendent except as related
to specific committee assignments.

18. Requests the Superintendent to submit recommendations on
all problems to be considered by the Board that relate to
programs, facilities, training and other matters on which
professional advice would be useful in reaching a decision.

19. When it has adopted a policy or approved a course of action,
it gives the Superintendent full authority and responsibility
for administering the policy forseeing that the action is
taken.

20. Encourages the Superintendent to initiate suggestions and
bring to the attention of the Board matters requiring policy
decision, which will increase the effectiveness of the
Department.

21. Holds the Superintendent ultimately responsible for the
success or failure of the program, within the limitations
in which he must work.

22. Encourages its Superintendent and other staff members to
attend state and national meetings of recreation workers, take
an active part in professional organizations, attend institutions,
and training courses and in other ways advance in their
profession.

Relation to Work of Department

23. Makes periodic inspections of recreation areas and facilities
to make sure that they are operated and maintained in a
satisfactory condition.

24. Makes periodic observations of program.

25. Participates actively in the interpretation of the Board's program
objectives and needs.

26. Arranges for a city-wide analysis of existing recreation areas and

27. Makes a comprehensive appraisal of this Department at least
every five years,

Relation to Other Agencies

28. Is consulted by the local school authorities in regard to prelimi-
nary plans for new school sites or buildings and the design of
indoor and outdoor facilities that might be suitable for community
recreation use.

104.

29. Is consulted by the local planning authorities with respect to
any proposals or plans that relate to recreation areas or
facilities.

30. Shares the credit with other departments and organizations
that cooperate in its program.

31. Takes the initiative, if necessary, in forming a Recreation
Council or in bringing together periodically an informal
group representing the local agencies concerned with recrea-
tion for a discussion of mutual problems and as an aid in
cooperative planning.

32. Meets annually, either as a whole or through a committee,
with the Board of Education to consider problems of mutual
interest.

33. Through its Superintendent, or otherwise, keeps in close
touch with City departments and private agencies concerned
with recreation and the use of leisure time.

Relation to the Public

34. Makes it clear to the public that suggestions and criticism
are welcome and will receive thoughtful consideration.

35. Conducts its affairs in a manner that wins public respect and
support for the Department and guarantees its integrity to the
community,

36. Is ready to listen to criticism and quick to discern and remedy
situations that require correction either by the Board or staff
members.

37. In addition to submitting an annual report as required, maintains
a public relations program throughout the year, utilizing the
press, radio, speeches, movies, exhibits, and other appropriate
media.

38. Represents the interests of the entire community and not the
interests with which individual members may be affiliated.

39. Encourages citizen interest and participation in the work of

the Department by the enlistment of volunteers, the appointment
of committees for special projects and in other ways.

105.

APPENDIX H

SUPERINTENDENT OF RECREATION AND PARKS

The superintendent of recreation and parks is the chief executive
officer in charge of a recreation and parks department and its personnel.
He is responsible for the administration of a comprehensive recreation
program for the entire community and for the administrative management
of the public parks, playgrounds and other recreation facilities. The
superintendent serves as technical advisor and consultant to the recreation
and parks board, or other authority responsible for community recreation,
and administers the policies laid down by that authority. The superintendent
of recreation and parks has executive responsibility for both the recreation
and the parks function, and for the maintenance of a high level of recreation
service through the efficient administration of both.

Duties

1. Administration:

A. Supervises the work of the recreation and parks department in
accordance with the general policies established by the board
or other authority

B. Organizes and superintends an efficient administration for the
department

C. Establishes, reviews, and coordinates procedures to the end
that maximum service may be provided at reasonable cost

2. Program:

A, Develops a broad diversified program of recreation activities
and services to meet the needs of the public

B. Supervises the organization and conduct of the community
recreation program, including both those activities under
active leadership and others which primarily require
provision of space, facilities, and general administrative
service

Staff:

A. Recruits, selects, and employs or recommends the employment
of department personnel

B. Organizes, assigns, and trains department personnel; develops
and maintains good work relationships among staff members

C. Establishes and develops a program for continuing use of
volunteers in the recreation program.

106.

4. Areas and Facilities:

A, Superintends the acquisition, planning, design and construction
of recreation and parks facilities under the control of the
department

B„ Operates and maintains all areas and facilities under department
control for optimum use in support of the community recreation
program

C. Establishes close working relationships with and serves ex-officio
as consultant on recreation and park matters to public and
voluntary community agencies concerned with city planning,
housing, public welfare, education and other subjects closely
related to community recreation

5. Planning and Research:

A. Studies and analyzes the effectiveness of the department's
services

B. Studies conditions, needs, and trends affecting the recreation
and parks requirements of the community

C. Prepares and recommends adoption of long-range and immediate
plans to meet community needs for adequate recreation space,
facilities, program and personnel

D. Studies and keeps informed of developments in the recreation
and parks fields

6. Finance:

A. Directs, controls, and accounts for the expenditure of department
funds in accordance with budget appropriations

B. Prepares and justifies budget estimates, work programs, and
supporting data for the recreation and parks functions

C Supervises the keeping of complete financial records for the

department
D. Recommends establishment of necessary fees and charges for

various department services, and supervises their use

7. Public and Community Relations:

A. Interprets to the public the community recreation program and
its philosophy and objectives through all suitable means
including the use of volunteers and staff members as well as
news media

B„ Promotes the public use of recreation facilities, areas and equip-
ment for group and individual play, recreation, and relaxation
through a continuing program of public education

107.

C. Establishes and maintains cooperative planning and working
relationships with other local community agencies, govern-
mental, voluntary, and private, and with state, regional and
national agencies concerned with recreation, parks, conservation,
and related fields

D. Organizes, promotes and cooperates with neighborhood or
community-wide recreation councils or similar groups identified
with recreation and parks

8. Records and Reports:

A. Maintains systematic, complete, and accurate records of
department activities and services, personnel, and property

B. Prepares and issues regular and special reports for use by
staff, board, community officials, and others and for the
information of the community

In the execution of these duties, emphasis varies with size and type
of community, program, staff, and facilities, but the executive position in
any recreation and parks department involves responsibility for all these
mentioned. In the larger department which employs additional personnel,
the superintendent may delegate authority for various administrative,
program, and maintenance functions to subordinates.

Special Qualifications

1. Thorough knowledge of the theory and philosophy of recreation, and
ability to interpret this philosophy to others

2. Understanding of the problems of a community in relation to recreation,
and ability to formulate and administer recreation programs to meet
specific community needs

3. Professional administrative skill in the organization, development and
maintenance of a comprehensive community recreation program
involving the operation of areas and facilities and the recruitment,
selection, training, and supervision of personnel

4. Professional understanding of the varied recreation activities which
make up a community recreation program, and technical competence
in directing their optimum use to meet the needs of people of all ages
and interests

5. Understanding of the function, design, and maintenance of parks and
recreation areas and facilities; and ability to superintend a program
of acquisition, construction, and maintenance of recreation and park
areas and facilities

108.

6. Professional administrative skill in the supervision of technically-
trained personnel from such fields as landscape architecture, civil
engineering, forestry, and horticulture, in the planning and operation
of parks and recreation areas and facilities

7„ Capacity for cooperating with and interpreting recreation and parks to
related public, voluntary, and private organizations, and the public

8. Skill in communication through speech and writing

9. Executive capacity for decision-making and implementation of policy,
coupled with extensive knowledge of principles and techniques of
management as applied to recreation and parks

10. Initiative, creativity, perseverance, and the ability to inspire the
continuing best efforts of others

Minimum Qualifications

Either graduation from a college or university of recognized standing
with a Bachelor's degree based on a major in recreation leadership including
supervised field work; or graduation from a college or university of recog-
nized standing with a Bachelor's degree based on a major in park administra-
tion or a closely related field, and special emphasis equivalent to a minor
concentration in recreation leadership, including supervised field work in
park administration or in recreation0

And

Completion of the requirements for a Master' s degree in recreation;
or if the undergraduate degree is in recreation, completion of requirements
for a Master's degree in recreation or parks administration or in a related
field such as public administration, Graduate study should include courses
in administrative planning, personnel, research techniques and theory of
recreation, since the undergraduate professional education prepares less
directly for the position of superintendent than for staff positions. (Courses
related to parks such as certain of those in forestry, landscape architec-
ture, horticulture, engineering and conservation should be recognized in
relation to this requirement, )

Plus

Proven successful and progressive experience in recreation leader-
ship in a supervisory or executive capacity; or in supervisory or executive
work combining recreation and parks responsibilities and duties. Completion
of two years of qualifying experience for the position of superintendent of
recreation and parks is recommended.

V>UN°S?

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-URBANA

711.558IL64U C001

A LIMITED RECREATION SURVEY OF MATTOON.